University of Colorado Boulder Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

John from Arvada, CO

08/05/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

38 out of 39 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

People who like the outdoors, people looking to be challenged, and anyone looking to learn while having a great time.

Tips for prospective students

Come and visit the campus and city to see if it seems like someplace you would like to be. Also, sit in on a class for your prospective major to see if you like the atmosphere.

Bang for the buck

It is definitely worth the amount you pay. The only downside is that tuition has risen the past couple of years.

Am enjoying being here

There is so much to do in Boulder. The campus is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains so there is plenty to do outdoors. It is also close to plenty of restaurants and hang out locations such as the Pearl St. Mall. There is always something going on.

Am learning a lot

There are classes ranging from several hundred students to just a handful. It is easy to contact teachers and have them help you in the courtesy of their own office. There are also help rooms for several of the math and science classes where you can get help from your peers and staff. Most of the classes are appropriately challenging and have good professors.

Christian from Waipahu, HI

01/15/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

23 out of 23 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

CU Boulder is definitely great for students who are interested in the environment because Boulder is such an environmentally friendly town. There also a lot of things for people who like the outdoors to do (for example, hiking, skating, mountain climbing, biking, jogging, etc). There is actually a place for everyone because there are different schools and so many different student-fun clubs. You should visit the school if you haven't already, and you'll see that there are all different types of people that attend.

Tips for prospective students

For your first couple of days, you should carry a campus map around with you. Some of the planners they sell in the book stores come with maps in the back, so that's not a problem. Also, at the end of each semester, make sure that you sell your books back to Shipping On the Hill, because they give you more money than the school book store does. Also make sure that you manage time wisely. It can be easy to get into the habit of partying every weekend, but make sure you study, because when finals come along, so do the consequences.

Bang for the buck

CU Boulder is pretty expensive, but it's worth it. So much of the tuition money you pay goes toward making the school a better place and helping students.

Am enjoying being here

CU Boulder is a great school. There are different schools in the university that you can apply to, and each school has a number of majors to choose from. The advisors are very helpful, and there are also many other resources available for students for any type of needs you may have. Most of the professors are easy to talk to and easy to get in contact with, so there is always a way you can get help. There are also some free tutoring services on campus, and tutoring is free if you live in the residence halls. The campus is beautiful. It's a bit large, but it's not that difficult to get used to, and it's fun to explore. Students also have free access to school rec centers. Boulder has a great environment with wonderful people, so it's not hard to make friends.

Am learning a lot

CU Boulder has a variety of classes with levels you can choose from that suite you. No doubt, some classes are a little more challenging than others, but it's great feeling after you've accomplished a semester. The professors know what they are talking about, and they have a passion for their field of study. If you have any questions, most professors are easy to get a hold of over email or during office hours.

Hannah from Denver, CO

01/14/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

18 out of 19 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you are anything like me and don't know exactly what you would like to do with your life, this school could really benefit you. Their great array of prestigious academic programs offers anyone the chance to experience many different paths of life giving you the tools you need to choose which path is for you. It's also perfect for people who really enjoy diversity and culture. The entire Boulder University experience promotes this lifestyle and completely exudes it. It's also one of the greenest colleges in the country so you can really be proud of your home!

Tips for prospective students

Stay focused. Just like at any campus, there are distractions. My first semester, I ignored my professor's tips for success thinking I could just get by like I did in high school, and that was a mistake. Once I realized that, I saw HUGE improvements. So start out doing the suggested readings and use the Help Rooms they offer and form study groups (they make it fun). Being such a big campus, it's easy to get lost both physically and mentally. So go see your counselors often, they really help and give you great advice. If you do all this from the get-go, you won't need to cram or stress at the last minute and will have more opportunities to enjoy the school spirit and Boulder itself. Also, it is a huge expense so apply for scholarships and, if necessary, get a Work Study job. They are super flexible and don't pay too badly.

Bang for the buck

College is simply expensive. There isn't much getting around that fact. However, the prestige of going to a big school, the experience and the career opportunities are really worth it. I know a fair amount of people who have graduated here who have great jobs that they honestly love, and almost every single one says that it's due to their efforts at this University. It is a big expense and a big campus which is a little overwhelming, but if you make smart decisions and work hard, this school can really send you off into a bright future (as cliche as it sounds).

Am enjoying being here

This campus truly is beautiful. Especially during the fall. It is pretty big yet very accessible, and is surrounded by a very cultured town. Boulder gives you the essence of a small town ( an up-scale small town) that is less than an hour away from a fairly large city that is on the rise. They have really great outdoor activities, a couple cute street malls and a really big mall (Flatirons) just twenty minutes away. I live off campus and find it really easy to get everywhere I need simply by taking the bus. Classes are hard but the people and the professors generally make them fun and it's all pretty rewarding. Not to mention the fun stuff going on all weekend on the Hill as well as the excitement of living on your own!

Am learning a lot

This school has a lot to offer. Not only do you have the opportunity to explore and learn with a very diverse body of students from all over the world, but you also have the ability to specialize and tailor your education in the many different colleges that the University is home to. Such as the College of Architecture and Planning, the College of Arts and Sciences, Leeds School of Business, the School of Education, College of Engineering And Applied Science, the School of Law, and their Graduate School. Therefore offering many different courses on topics ranging from Nordic influences in The Lord of the Rings to organic chemistry. And don't be intimidated, they offer every form of study help you can think of in very convenient ways.

Pay no attention to the party school label behind the curtain. You will find drinking and crazy behavior at every University in the country. Boulder does a fairly good job of limiting this in their fraternities and sororities, and provides a number of alternative actions. Any student wary of drinking and partying can find lots of friends to hang out with and safe places to go.

Bang for the buck

This depends on whether you plan to pay in-state or out of state tuition. For Colorado residents, the university is a fairly good deal, but if you are out of state, tuition is more than $20,000 a semester. It is worth it though. You will get a world-class education, live in a great town, and meet some amazing people.

Am enjoying being here

Boulder is one of the greatest places in the country, with a stunning view of the flatirons (a unique feature of the Rocky mountains), and wonderful weather almost every day. Like they say, 300 days of sun and the rest is snow or stunning thunderstorms. The university itself is also as beautiful as the terrain. Every building is built along the same architectural style, with flagstone facades and red tile roofs. There is only one or two of those ugly university buildings, so common to other schools. Boulder itself, often called The People's Republic of Boulder has a great and real mix of the hippy, environmentalist culture, for which it is so famous, and the high class skiing town of the Colorado Rockies. Public transportation is to die for, and pedestrians have the ultimate right of way.

Am learning a lot

I am a psychology major in one of the largest and best psychology departments in the country. Admittedly, there are many schools that have quality psychology departments, but the University of Colorado's is very well equipped for research, especially in child an cognitive psychology. Also, our professors are very involved and friendly. Their lectures are both informative and full of funny stories.

The dorm food is very unfulfilling. The only 'safe' food is that which is uncooked. The C4C is the only decent dining hall, but even that gets old.

Dorm Life

The dorms were great. Everyone is open and ready to meet new people. Great dorm experience

Academic Rigor

What you give in is what you get.

Tips for prospective students

Your first year GPA counts, go to class. But make sure that you have a balance between friends-- your college memories will not include studying, but the people you spent time studying with.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado at Boulder is a learning environment. It is a true college town in every sense of the word. Boulder loves to party, but it tends to be understated how much else CU students engage in.

Arielle from Potomac, MD

12/05/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

8 out of 16 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

People who love the outdoors (camping, hiking, snowboarding, skateboarding) or those who just want to be in a frat or sorority. It is a very laid back campus. The party scene here is all house parties. So if you want a nightlife that is clubs and dancing this is not the school for you.

Tips for prospective students

If you are from the east coast, I would think twice about coming here. When you visit versus when you actually come here for school is extremely different. Majority of the campus are people from Chicago, California and Colorado.

Although the money situation in Boulder, to attend school is outrageous. If you get a way to pay for it then it it certainly worth it. As for myself I am been constantly trying to get scholarships to fund my education. University of Colorado does help you out somewhat when it comes to the money situation.

Am enjoying being here

Boulder is a wonderful place to be when it comes to the environment and people. The surrounding environment is beautiful, with trails, rivers, mountains, there is no getting bored in Boulder. It is cold there, but with enough layers of clothing you will be okay.

Am learning a lot

University of Colorado at Boulder offers a wide variety of topics to emerge yourself in. I have declared my major in Ethnic Studies and am amazed about how many events that happen and conferences that go on that are about my major. Since attending school here I have learned a lot and am eager to learn more.

Athena from Spring Creek, NV

01/12/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you don't mind large lecture halls to start out with then CU is wonderful. If you're the type of student who always needs something to do there are tons of things to do on campus and a lot of options as far as classes go. Homework loads aren't to big so if you're the type of student who likes to procrastinate a little then you'd do just fine. Don't worry about not being noticed, because I promise someone will notice you. It may be huge, but it becomes smaller the longer you're here so if you're the type of student who enjoys being in a close knit environment with lots of new people to help you out then it's perfect for you.

Tips for prospective students

I would deffinitly recommend this school just don't forget to look at your budget. Are you paying or are your parents/grandparents/whoever paying? If you don't think you can afford it now there are always community colleges in Colorado you can start out at and many of the credits at those schools are transferable to CU or any other university in Colorado. Another thing, campus living is great. It may not seem cool to live on campus for more then one year but it's not to expensive, you get a large selection of dining experiences, and it's close to everything in Boulder. Plus you only have to wake up an hour before classes start and there's no driving involved. Finally, the campus is not to large but a bike can make things easier, or even a scooter. Wheels are always good to have but if you don't buy some comfortable walking shoes. I walk and it's not to bad it's just a lot of wallking. lastly, take advantage of your resources. There's a huge recreational center which is free for students to use, and there are always events going on on campus, many of which are free to students.

Bang for the buck

I will admit that tuition is a little high.. I'm not fond of how much I have to pay being an out of state student but if you're in-state is pretty low. CU-Boulder is a very highly ranked school and there is a lot of opportunity. I've learned a lot and living on campus has been great. There are a lot of options as far as campus living and food goes so it definitely makes the cost of living worth it. As I said though, the tuition for out of state students is a little high so you always have to factor that in.

Am enjoying being here

The people here are amazing and there's lot of stuff to do. One of my favorite things to do is just wander around the halls of my dorm and talk to people. The people are super friendly and always willing to help me out. Boulder is full of attractions and there are constantly events going on on the campus. From laser shows to free concerts you never know what you'll get. If you want to go to a concert or something Denver is right over the hill and there are endless possibilities there when it comes to entertainment. It's a little far from home though so it sometimes gets lonely but if you can make really good friends the homesickness goes away and you'll be just fine.

Am learning a lot

There are tons of options as far as classes and degrees go. I really feel like I'm getting a quality education and the teachers are willing to work with all the students and help them out. There are lots of opportunities to work with other students to find out how get good grades or do well on tests and what not. So far all of my teachers have known exactly what they're talking about when it comes to their subjects. I've learned more in one semester then I've learned in all of my high school career.

Jessica from Santa Ana, CA

being out of state the tuition is extremely expensive, i don't think i would be going here if it weren't for my academic scholarship.

What to do for fun

there is so much to do at cu and in boulder depending on your interests. some of the most popular things to do have to do with the outdoors such as hiking, snowboarding, biking, and other activities.

Food and Dining

being a vegetarian, i haven't ever had trouble finding food to meet my special needs. they have healthy options along with classic comfort foods.

Dorm Life

i love my dorm and floor. all of the girls on my floor are extremely nice and friendly, being from out of state it is nice to have the feeling of family and unity in my dorm!

Academic Rigor

i was an honors and ap student in high school and i was expecting my first semester at cu to be a little more challenging. i think you get as much as you put in, and i enjoyed all of my professors.

Tips for prospective students

make sure you don't forget you're here to get an education and miss too often to go up to the mountains!

In three sentences

cu boulder has a beautiful campus and surrounding city. there are so many activities offered on campus and in boulder. originally i was hesitant about coming here, but now i can't think of a place i would rather be getting my degree!

You get what you pay for. The campus is always renovating and remodeling their buildings to try and make them better for their students. Its a prestigious university that offers a lot to their students.

Am enjoying being here

Boulder may not be for everyone, but it surely offers a variety of things to do. The school itself is beautiful and is right near the hill which has many places to eat and hang out. There's tons to do outdoors and indoors including skiing, snowboarding, bowling, movies, concerts, sports, rock climbing and more! Also, the bus system is excellent which makes getting around town easy. Main campus is also pretty condensed so it makes getting from class to class fairly easy.

Am learning a lot

The University of Colorado at Boulder offers a wide range of classes that can satisfy the majority of wants. The classes are challenging and make you think. Class size can be hundreds down to between ten and twenty people. Professors and TA's are there to help you and have many ways for you to get in contact with them for assistance.

Melody from Aurora, CO

12/05/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

This school is perfect for people who are sociable, really into sports and the outdoors. This school is perfect for people who are really serious about their education but can't quite afford the high price of the more pricy schools. If you like fresh air, great mountain views and hot and cold weather, Boulder is a perfect match for you!

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you're ready to work on your grades, keep up with your reading and don't stress yourself to the limit. Not everyone gets it right the first time, and it's rough the first couple of months but if you get into good sctudy habits, you will be just fine. Be sure to avoid the freshman fifteen and have a social life or you may kill yourself or your roommate might. Don't be afraid to try new things, after all, college is the place for new experiences.

Bang for the buck

Don't be scared of the tuition, it's worth it, and it covers EVERYTHING. You get a special pass for the RTD bus, cable in your dorm room, heat and air conditioning in Williams Village and your meal plans WILL come in handy. You don't have to pay for tutors and everything you need is in the dorms. The classes are worth the price as mentioned before and you will be challenged.

Am enjoying being here

Boulder is a very friendly environment, especially the campus. There is no freshman bias here, and I didn't get ridiculed for being one. I enjoy meeting new people and going places, The Hill is an awesome place, stay away from all the bad parties and things will be fine.

Am learning a lot

The academics here are challenging, there are so many choices that you can go for in terms of classes. These teachers are enthusiastic about teaching, they love to talk with students and professors are willing to help anyone in need.

Breanna from Northglenn, CO

12/10/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

CU is great for just about everyone. We do get some cold days and we are a really active and outdoor involved campus. We have a laid back environment but are still in the heart of Boulder. We aren't just for hippies but for everyday people and for those you want to act and be their own person.

Tips for prospective students

Have fun but don't get overly involved and party too much your first semester that's how people fail and drop out of college. It may seem hard or not as fun but ease into college life that way you can have fun both semesters and for the rest of college instead of being on academic probation and having to explain to your parents why you failed your first semester and messed up your college career.

Bang for the buck

Between all the help you get, late nights in the 24 hour library, printing, transportation, and amazing professors you really get your moneys worth at CU.

Am enjoying being here

Boulder in general is fun and there is always something to do and when your also involved with the campus there are at least five things to do on a slow night. You have Pearl Street, The 29th Street mall, and the Hill all right next to each other and that's just shopping and some food. At our UMC there is a place foe bowling, live bands, pool and arcades. Not to mention all of the special events CU has going on all year. The environment in Boulder is very laid back and always filled with nice smiling people. Its such a nice place to just go lay out of Farren Field and take a nap or have a night of fun with all of your friends.

Am learning a lot

I love CU it easy to learn. If you are not understanding something there is always a TA or even the professor to help you out or give you advice about study habits. One of the first things your teachers tell you is to get someones number and learn their name so you can have a study partner and a new friend. Its a great environment for learning and has great enthusiastic teachers to make even a class you may find boring fun.

Kevin from Lakewood, CO

Engineers, any students wanting to major in Arts and Applied Science in Colorado, those Coloradans wanting to be far away enough to be away from parents, yet still close enough to keep in touch.

Tips for prospective students

Boulder is notorious for its reputation as a party school. Having said that, the parties were not as unavoidable as the rumors made them out to be. Personally, I knew quite a handful of students that did not choose Boulder mainly for its reputation as a party school. It all depends on who you choose to be friends with, and most people are respectful of people's decisions of whether or not to drink.

Bang for the buck

On one hand, Boulder is the most nationally respected college in Colorado, as it was named one of the Public Ivies of America. On the other hand, it is not the most friendly place for you and your parents' wallets. Mines, Metro, University of Colorado at Denver, University of Northern Colorado all offer better deals for students in and out of state. Further discouraging is that Boulder's range of scholarships is fairly limited to incoming students. But once you do get past the freshman year, with its mandatory requirement of living in dormitories, expect a substantial 30% drop in living expenses assuming you find a nice apartment. Tuition ranges from $20,000 to $27,000.

Am enjoying being here

You will know that you have arrived at an actual college when you come to Boulder. Far and away, Boulder is the biggest campus in Colorado, and is stunningly beautiful. For those fed up with, or burnt out with the high school scene, Boulder will be the most refreshing reminder that all your hard work paid off in the end.

Am learning a lot

I am currently a freshman majoring in civil engineering as a freshman, and I can assure you that the level of difficulty in the engineering department is very challenging compared to AP courses. Rest assured though, engineering across all colleges is notorious for its heavy workload and steep learning curve as it involves heavy math and hands on experience.

cindy from Boulder, CO

12/28/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you're the type of person that feels like switching your career goals every time you take an engaging course, the University of Colorado at Boulder is for you. I can honestly say I am still struggling with the fact I cannot add on any more majors and minors than I already possess. If you are passionate about learning and making progressions while here on earth, this university is for you. The only reason I am able to conform with keeping the majors I have and not delving into the other hundreds is because every class I have taken has the ability to give me the general knowledge of the course in a way I am satisfied with what I have learned. I feel well-rounded afterwards, and it is up to me to maybe delve in a bit further afterwards or to just be satisfied with the better person I have become because of what I have been priveledged to learn.

Tips for prospective students

Take advantage of the first day of every semester. Everyone feels vulnerable, no matter how nonchalant some may seem. There's no limit to how many friends one may possess, so take advantage of the opportunity to talk to the student that has distracted you from devouring information the professor reads aloud because you're too consumed by him/her rolling his/her dreadlocks into more of a clumpy conglomerate.

Bang for the buck

The bang for the buck question is all in the eye of the beholder. For those who groggily wake up five minutes before class and with drooping, puffy eyes, slam down on the snooze button: I would have to say maybe you won't be receiving all you paid for. On the other hand, for those who decide to guzzle down coffee and make it to lectures: you're getting all, and more, than you paid for. This is made evident when you are itching to leave class, but are then engaged in the class as your professor addresses the class as a whole and asks what is the modern day term for what in her day was known as a tramp. Every class attended leaves the student with an experience students at other universities will be able to and for that, I think the cost is more than worth it.

Am enjoying being here

Sure, a campus with 30,000+ students sounds a bit intimidating, but once one comes to terms with it, the campus seems more like an acute community. Scrambling past thousands of other rushed students in the ten minute intervals between class, it becomes quite comforting realizing, Hey, I knew at least five of those thousands of faces. Population sizes are what usually make people's lips purse up in any context, but especially in that of college universities. If that is a concern of yours, consider yourself safe because no matter what the size and population, the university students refuse to feel like recluses. We came here for a reason: a sense of community fueled by our hippie expectations, and I'd have to say, we do live up to it.

Am learning a lot

Five, count it, five sexes exist. The U.S. water supply has traces of fluoxetine (aka Prozac) in it, so the nerdy joke running around that our water is making us happy may not be a complete fabrication after all. I read a story about a philandering ex-wife copulating with a naked all but spurred-booted man all the while her deceased husband sees it through the eyes of a squaking parrot. Not only am I learning a lot at the University of Colorado at Boulder, but I am learning in a unique, intriguing matter. I anticipate the next course I take and searching through the eclectic range of courses provided, I feel I am reading off my winning lottery ticket stub every time I look at the list of courses I am taking the following semester.

Jennifer from Highlands Ranch, CO

01/02/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

The University of Colorado at Boulder is a great place for any type of student. If you're someone who loves the outdoors then I would definitely say that this is the place for you! There is no specific person who I would say doesn't belong on this campus. It's such a diverse university that anyone can find a place here!

Tips for prospective students

GET INVOLVED EARLY ON! I cannot stress this enough. Get involved in something that truly interests you. You'll meet people who share your passion for different things and you'll end up making good friends with whom you can relate. The university seems so big and intimidating when you first arrive but getting involved makes it seem so much more intimate. Also use your resources. CU offers its students everything from free counseling to free writing workshops. Everyone truly wants to see you succeed. I made the mistake my first semester of not taking advantage of all of these wonderful resources and now I regret it. So get involved and don't be afraid to ask for help!

Bang for the buck

Though it is an expensive school, (though most all colleges are pretty pricey!) it's a university that is well respected. The professors are very qualified and have a lot of knowledge to offer if you give them the chance to teach you.

Am enjoying being here

Boulder is an amazing city and CU is a beautiful campus. There is never a lack of activities to join in on and you can always find something to do. College can be a very stressful time but the people here are so reassuring and helpful that it's hard not to fall in love with your surroundings!

Am learning a lot

I just completed my first semester here and I have learned so much already. In high school I had a very easy time getting the grades I wanted without putting too much effort into my studies. Once arriving at CU, I learned that I could no longer get away with that attitude towards my academics. I didn't perform to my capabilities. I have learned a lot because of this though. I learned that I need to take advantage of the wonderful resources that this university has to offer. CU has an amazing tutoring program and I wish I would have found out about it sooner. They also have multitudes of study organizations and time management workshops that will help students reach their academic goals. These lessons I have learned from my first semester the hard way will hopefully make my next semester here a much more productive and successful one!

Laura from Littleton, CO

01/26/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

There is such a wide variety of students here in Boulder that I really don't believe there is only one type of student that belongs here. We have scientists, athletes, engineers, business majors, and people who just love the outdoors. If you're passionate about anything in particular I'm sure you'll find it in Boulder. Either through clubs, the community, or the university, there are infinite opportunities for students in Boulder.

Tips for prospective students

Don't stress too much about not getting into the right college. You will end up at the right place in the long run. Go with your instincts, it's important to feel comfortable wherever you go. GPA is very important so don't slack off senior year. How you set yourself up in high school will lead to how you do in college!

Bang for the buck

CU may be one of the more expensive universities in Colorado but that is because it is such a prestigious school that offers a high quality education to its students. The classes are very interesting and informative, the residence halls are top quality, the dinning halls have good food, all the professors and TA's are highly educated and esteemed, and the campus and buildings are constantly being renewed and updated. I'm an in-state resident so I may not be speaking for out-of-state residents but I would say there is a great amount of bang for the buck.

Am enjoying being here

CU Boulder has such a great atmosphere it is difficult not to enjoy it here. One of the reasons many students choose Boulder is because of the beautiful campus and the amount of outdoor activities available. The sports activities are a great way to meet people and show some spirit whether you join an intramural team or go cheer on the Buffs! Boulder is very centered around the college students here and there many fun places to go such as the Hill or Pearl Street.

Am learning a lot

The amount of information I have learned since I first enrolled at CU is extraordinary. The variety and surplus of classes is wonderful and each student will find what they are looking for. The professors and TA's have been so helpful and especially with difficult classes are very willing to answer any questions. No matter what your major is, or even if you are undeclared there are numerous options that are interesting and you will learn more than you ever thought you would. There's a place for everyone here at CU.

Samantha from Bozeman, MT

07/11/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

3 out of 4 people found this review useful.
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Bang for the buck

The only thing I know about tuition is that it's incredibly expensive. One of the most expensive in the United States for not being an ivy league school. But I've only heard good things from students and the word on the street is, it's worth it.

Will enjoy being here

I loved Boulder when I toured. It's one of the most beautiful places I've seen. Nestled in the mountains it's perfect for all outdoorsy types, and I loved the green theme on campus. You don't see that very often out west. The dorms are spacious and the library is magnificent. I give it a five star rating.

Will learn a lot

The facilities are absolutely fantastic. I was blown away by the organization of the campus and especially the building where film majors spend most of their time. Not to mention it's close to Denver so the internship opportunities are endless.

Brittany from Denver, CO

10/27/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

The type of student that attends CU Boulder can't be described in a simple way. From hippies to preppies, there is literally a niche for every type at CU. Boulder is a liberal town, and there is always different things going on to fit every taste.

Tips for prospective students

-Make sure you have important numbers handy, such as Financial Aid, the Health Center, etc. -Make appointments with your adviser as soon as they open up appointments halfway into the semester- the appointments fill up fast, so if you are late, you may have to wait weeks to finally see your adviser. -Don't get behind in studying; the social aspect of CU can be fun, but the main point is the education. Get a planner, and and plan out what homework you have to do, so you aren't scrambling to finish everything last minute. -Don't be afraid to talk to your professors. They have dealt with hundreds of students over the years, so whatever you are having problems with, they will be there to listen. -If there is a class at CU that seems like it will give you trouble, then see if it has a recitation. Recitations are supplementary classes to a main class, and they go over topics discussed in lecture to clear it up for the students who need that extra explanation.

Bang for the buck

The amount of resources available at CU Boulder makes the price worth it. If you need help academically, there are TAs to help you in the helping lounges so you don't fall behind. If you are hungry, the dining halls make good food readily available to you. For more active things, the recreation center has everything from your standard workout machines, to a pool, to an ice skating rink. Not to mention the bus pass included with your Buff One card; point is, there is so much given to CU students besides the stellar education that makes the sky high tuition price more bearable.

Am enjoying being here

Boulder is an amazing town to go to school. There is a myriad of activities to do when you are in your down time. Whether you like to hike, camp, party, dance, etc; the location is prime for anything you could possibly want to do.

Am learning a lot

The learning extends beyond the classroom to experiential values as well. There are many different backgrounds that expose even the most sheltered student to a glimpse of the world. The lectures themselves are taught by some of the best professors I have com across, and many have won various awards, such as the Nobel Prize. The are so many opportunities to learn everything about the specific things you are interested in, and CU Boulder makes it easy to get there.

Taylor from Moorpark, CA

All students, if you look there will be something for you here. Very focused on the outdoorsy type as are the majority of students here.

Tips for prospective students

Ratemyprofesser.com is a wonderful tool, use it. Get to know your academic advisor!! They can tell you what classes you need to take to graduate quickly and which ones will keep you balanced. Make the most of your time here, you could literally do something every minute of every day (and night for that matter) but it is all about balance.

Bang for the buck

Out of state tuition is super pricey, but, if you can find scholarships (through programs such as Cappex) then it is doable. Despite the price, I wouldn't trade anything for the experience of being at CU, I am getting a higher education and loving my time here (in the classroom and out).

Am enjoying being here

I feel so lucky to be going here, I love all my classes and all my teachers which I didn't think could possibly happen as a freshman. I only have one giant lecture class and one of my classes only has 15 students! The campus is huge, despite many people who warned me that I would just be a number, but in reality it makes the campus diverse so you can find your niche group and there is always something going on.

Am learning a lot

I am learning a lot in all of my classes, and even things that I have started to apply to my everyday. I enjoy everything that I am taking and am excited to go to class and learn the material. With such a big school there are classes that will appeal to what you are interested in and if you are fortunate enough to have that opportunity and take them every student here will learn a lot and it wont be a chore.

Ana from Parker, CO

01/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

being a college town boulder does have some crime among the hill. cu has made an effort to decrease this crime as much as possible by installing emergency 911 buttons and also by having a free cab service for students. females should not walk alone at night, but the transportation system in boulder has a good amount of late night buses that are free to students.

Greek Life

roughly 12% of cu students are involved in greek life, which is a fairly small number considering the size of the school. although the numbers are small, greek life has a large impact on the school. with many sorority and fraternity houses being on the hill, getting to campus is not an issue. many people choose the greek life because of it's unity among members.

Clubs and Activities

cu is a school that has an extremely large amount of clubs and activities. from club sports to debate to math club to foreign language clubs, cu is filled with activities. club sports are a popular choice at cu, with sports ranging from frisbee to soccer to lacrosse to volleyball. even if you aren't an athlete but like to keep in shape, cu has multiple recreation centers.

Great for these types of students

out of state tuition tends to be pricey but if you can afford it, it's worth it. a good amount of the current students at cu are out of state and love living here even with the pricier tuition. colorado has a lot to offer to out of state students and in state students alike.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

one of the most secluded areas on campus is the outdoor amphitheatre. the location of this amphitheatre is on the edge of campus and is a great place to go and study and bask in the sunshine.

Bang for the buck

although cu is a bit more pricey than some schools in colorado, it does provide not only a great academic program but also a great atmosphere to live in. boulder is a great town that makes paying a bit more for school worth it.

What to do for fun

boulder is a very lively town and has many outdoor activities such as climbing, biking, and hiking. even if you are not a big athlete, boulder has lots of restaurants and concerts and many great stores. pearl street and 29th street malls are a great place to hang out on the weekends, and a great place to go shopping. boulder has a few concert venues, that have shows for any type of music lover.

Food and Dining

all across campus there are little places called grab and gos to get food when you're in a rush in between classes or even if you have had a long day and want to take your food back to your dorm. since the opening of a two story cafeteria the dorm food has been awesome. although the food is awesome it can take some getting used to, and will hurt your stomach for the first few weeks.

Dorm Life

the dorms at cu are located right on main campus so getting to most classes takes about 15 max. . the dorms themselves are a little old but the scenery of mountains outside your window makes up for it. there are many different dorms and there are even some that are substance free. although you can get a single room there are also doubles (the most common choice) triples, quads and sometimes even suites. some dorms are still being constructed, but for the most part the dorms have been around for quite some time.

Academic Rigor

studying at cu is definitely not a walk in the park and if you don't take studying seriously then this is not the school for you. the classes at the university of colorado are interesting but also have a good amount of homework and reading. although some classes are harder than others, if you stay on top of your homework and reading then the classes aren't as much of a challenge.

Tips for prospective students

students that want to attend the university of boulder should know that with a reputation of a good academic program comes a good amount of studying. academics must be high on the priority list of students at the university of boulder. although academics and studying are important, students need to learn to balance free time as well.

In three sentences

the university of colorado at boulder is a an amazing school with not only a great location but also a great academic program. boulder is a great city for any kind of person, athletic or not. with so much to offer both academically and with extra curricular activities.

Visit, and make sure that your vibe mixes with the vibe of the school. If you want to be around brilliant people, then Boulder is not where you should go. If you're looking for a good education and for a good time, then Boulder is not a bad choice.

In three sentences

This school is enormous. There is a broad spectrum of intelligence. It's in a safe city.

Alexandrea from Grand Junction, CO

03/15/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Just about anyone can find their place at CU. If you love the outdoors, you will LOVE Boulder. If you like being close to a big city without all the hassle, you will LOVE Boulder. If you love being inside and playing video games all the time, you probably won't make a lot of friends here, so get out there and have some fun!

Tips for prospective students

Check out the website! There's SO much info on there, about the residence halls, the meals, classes, you can really get a feel for the school from the website. Also, make sure you visit the campus. I got lucky because I had never been to Boulder before orientation, and I ended up loving it, but there are some people who might not like it. Just check it out, you'll probably end up loving it! You should also try to talk to some current students to see how they feel about CU.

Bang for the buck

Its pretty expensive, but you really do get a lot for your money. There's the location, and the little stuff like the RTD pass and grab n' go dining.

Am enjoying being here

Boulder is a great town; there's so much to do and see. You don't need a car here, you can get pretty much anywhere on foot, bike, or bus. You can even take a bus from central campus straight downtown to the 16th street mall in denver! Everything is so close, and there's always something going on.

Am learning a lot

I love the variety of classes, and the class size really isn't an issue. It's easy to contact the professors if you need help, and there is a help lab for virtually every subject. I've had a class with 400 people and another with 15, so the variety is always nice.

Kate from Bailey, CO

Any student who enjoys the outdoors and the mountains while also having a very educated and diverse school environment should come to Boulder.

Tips for prospective students

Watch out when applying for the dorms. If you aren't sure you want to, then don't apply too soon. If you do apply and then decide you don't want to live in the dorms, get out quickly and petition for staying somewhere else. Also, watch out for the fees like the health care plan and such. They add up to well over $2000 sometimes.

Bang for the buck

It is an expensive school, but with enough work the school is worth every penny. Altogether, it is a great school, but expensive.

Am enjoying being here

The sights of Boulder are amazing and the people are usually nice and friendly. So many people are big into hiking or being outside compared to the more city oriented people. The mountains are beautiful and the wildlife all around is nice to see everyday.

Am learning a lot

I have learned so much in these first few months. Not only do the classes offer loads of information, but the community and the people I meet teach me so much everyday. The classes themselves are so different and the teachers so far have been nice and fun to be around. Some classes have attendance as a requirement while others don't even like to give grades and prefer to discuss with you than test you. The size of classes can be from 20 to 300 and each size is a new adventure and learning experience.

Samantha from Superior, CO

02/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

i've never felt sketched out on campus, but there are some incidents that happen on the hill. just make sure you are always with someone else and you will be fine. it's the people that are walking around trashed at 4am alone that tend to have problems. the campus also has nightride for free if you are too sketched out to walk home.

Greek Life

i'd say at least 1/3 of the freshman girls will rush, so greek life is huge here. the frats throw excellent parties every weekend. however, if it's not your scene there are still plenty of other people who you can relate to.

Clubs and Activities

there are so many things to do you will be overwhelmed with all the student groups and organizations

Great for these types of students

smart kids party animals tree-huggers potheads sorority girls frat bros overall just smart kids that know how to party

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

4/20 on norlin quad seems to be a big hit when it comes to traditions but you have to party on the hill sometime.

Bang for the buck

cu is an expensive school, no doubt about it, but i have had countless priceless moments here that i wouldn't trade for the world. i love boulder, and i promise i'm not a hippie. the whole city is very alive and young so for college kids it's basically paradise.

What to do for fun

anything. the hill is a mecca for college kids, they have everything there. the mountains are so close, you can hit the slopes anytime you wish. 29th street mall is fun for movies and shopping, and the frat parties are quite popular.

Food and Dining

the c4c is a great addition to the campus, there are a lot of options but sometimes it gets old. libby and sewall have good food too, and the farrand grab-and-go is all-natural and organic if that's your thing. i heard darley sucks though.

Dorm Life

everybody complains about the dorms but i have met my best friends here and the campus is gorgeous. right out my window you can see the beautiful flatirons mountains. the dorms are right in the middle of all the action and the ras are pretty chill here, you really have to try in order to get in trouble. i live in farrand and i personally think it's the best (of course) but sewall has great food and is right next to the rec center. other than that any of the dorms bordering farrand field are great.

Academic Rigor

a boulder education is as easy or as hard as you want it to be. i am an mcdb major (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology) so personally i feel like my classes are pretty tough. however, there are always opportunities for you to get 1 on 1 attention so the work isn't that bad.

Tips for prospective students

make sure that you sit in the front for those 400-person lectures, it will make the class seem much smaller. also, we use clickers here so make sure you go to class or else your grade will suffer.

In three sentences

cu is a great place for kids that want a respected education while still looking for a place to have some fun. students in boulder work hard and play hard. after a long day of classes you can go on a hike, go shopping, everything is here in boulder.

foodiest town! great food, the hill is expensive but surrounded by great restaurants

Dorm Life

i don't live in a dorm

Academic Rigor

writing is a focus, especially important during freshman year.

Tips for prospective students

one tip for prospective students would be to visit and see the beautiful scenery before committing. also, be prepared to become very active as it takes about 10-15 minutes to walk anywhere on campus- bring a bike.

In three sentences

cu-boulder is an open community with many beautiful and interesting attractions. the school has people from all walks of life which adds to the growing diverse community. it is a great school, with great surroundings, although the tuition raise could start problems.

Flaminia from Rome, Italy

With the Resident Advisors staying at the front desks monitoring who comes in. A Resident Advisor is on each floor to manage the students and to make sure everything is in control.

Clubs and Activities

Intramural Sports are an option to be a part of a small sports team. In Williams Village there are Tennis Courts, Basketball courts as well as a sand Volleyball court.

Great for these types of students

If you're a person dedicated to going to the gym, the gyms here are fantastic! I usually use the treadmill and one is always free to just hop on and start jogging.

What to do for fun

Go to Pearl Street and the public transportation works perfectly with your free RTD Bus transit pass that they give you once you move-in and get settled in. It lets you ride them for free, and with them you can legitimately get anywhere and everywhere. The 29th Street mall is the best! It includes: many clothing stores, an Apple Store, Macy's, Target and a Cinemark.

Food and Dining

Pretty great variety overall. At the Center For Community so many different ethnic foods are available. I'm from Italy and the Italian corner is really not that bad!

Dorm Life

I live in Williams Village and it's been great! I live on the third floor and I don't even need to take the elevator every day [even though it is shunned upon if you do take it to the 3rd floor]. Quiet hours are enforced and the ground floor has great utilities including: TV, couches, study areas, piano and ping pong tables.

Academic Rigor

Spanning from students with GPAs in the 2.0 - 3.0 range and 3.0 - 4.0.

Tips for prospective students

Great dining halls with delicious food. Transportation works out pretty well if you end up living in Williams Village, like I do.

In three sentences

Great and really friendly people around the campus that contribute to the overall fantastic CU Community. Campus is very clean and enforces everyone to recycle, which is perfect! It's very easy to move and walk around campus, everything is in perfect and a reasonable walking distance.

Elizabeth from Louisville, CO

This school has been nationally recognized for it's lack of safety and many sexual assault scandals.

Bang for the buck

In-state students can get many of the same classes for $1,000 cheaper at the local community college where the classes are much smaller and taught by actual professors. This school should be an absolute last resort.

What to do for fun

If you can get away from campus the mountains are beautiful, there is a lot of great hiking and sight seeing not too far from campus.

Food and Dining

Expensive but decent food.

Dorm Life

This school is national recognized as a party school with a strong rape culture.

Academic Rigor

Class sizes are often enormous and many are taught by graduate students instead of experienced professors.

Tips for prospective students

Unless you have a full scholarship and a stipend to cover the high cost of living this is not a wise investment for your future. The campus is particularly unsafe for female students.

In three sentences

Very high percentage of classes are taught by graduate students. I felt that I was part of a diploma mill that was funding their research projects, I even my adviser with 499 other students. The local community college offers a far superior education for a fraction of the cost.

CU Boulder student from Aurora, CO

Students who enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Also, any student wishing to learn in a challenging environment with professors who have phenomenal research under their belt.

Tips for prospective students

Starting off in college is new, fun, and exciting. However, make sure to focus on academics and make it your number one priority. When you have done all your work and go out to have fun, the sense of accomplishment is very rewarding.

Bang for the buck

The education is definitely not cheap, but it is well worth the money spent. At the end of the day, it really boils down to how much you have learned, and to me, this intellectually challenging University offers the best bang for the buck.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is gorgeous overlooking the mountains. People are smiling a lot and are very kind to one another. It is very easy to have a good day while just walking from class to class. Overall, the people, scenery, and the feel of the campus makes it very enjoyable to be on campus.

Am learning a lot

This University offers rigorous intellectual challenge. The classes are thought-provoking and enjoyable. There is no mindless busy work. All of the lectures and assignments force one to think and use the material learned in class. The classes require students to think outside the box, which in the end makes for a more enjoyable and memorable learning experience.

Allison from Golden, CO

Great for students to whom money is not a huge issue. Also great for those who are capable of studying independently without personal help from teachers.

Tips for prospective students

With approximately 30,000 undergraduate students, this campus is definitely huge. My suggestion is to go out of your way to get to know your professors personally. Make sure they know who you are, and don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification. It is easy to get lost in the massive crowds, but it is also super easy to go to your professors office hours. Get your money's worth!

Bang for the buck

Unfortunately, unless you're paying in-state tuition, this school is way too expensive. I suggest not taking out a ridiculous amount of loans--as I did--just to pay for out-of-state tuition. Definitely do your research in finding scholarships, it's expensive!

Did enjoy being here

I definitely enjoyed being at CU Boulder. Go Buffs! It was an awesome experience living in Boulder, and nothing beats Colorado weather. My absolute favorite is the people--Colorado (Boulder especially) is home to some of the most genuine and nicest people around! Quality of life is definitely a priority there!

Did learn a lot

This school has amazing academic opportunities, and a top notch faculty who are definitely qualified and well experienced in their field of expertise.

Megan from Boulder, CO

CU is great for all types of students. It is a large campus and with all the clubs and organizations there is a high chance someone else has some same interests.

Tips for prospective students

Come visit the University and take a tour. We have awesome tour guides and once you set foot on this campus you will fall in love!

Bang for the buck

CU is considered a public ivy league. The job placement of CU graduates is extremely good and the students not only get jobs out of college, but get good paying jobs.

Am enjoying being here

The University of Colorado has over 300 clubs and organizations to join. The college is centered in the beautiful town of Boulder. You can hike in the flatirons, walk around pearly street or just hang out and enjoy the lovely weather. It is a true college town and the university. Furthermore, in just 30 minutes you can be in the city of Denver or at the international airport. In the fall you can see the towns school spirit for the football games with pep-rallies every Friday night on Pearl Street, when there is a home game. In the winter you can travel to the many ski resorts if you so desire. The campus is always bustling and has something to do. We have guest lectures, concerts, free movies and so much more on the campus!

Am learning a lot

The Academics of CU are extremely rigorous in any major. The atmosphere of CU is filled with students who want to learn and study hard. We have a strong business and engineering program. Furthermore, the arts and sciences school is excellent. I love the fact that I can have large classes and small classes. The professors love to teach and share their knowledge of their subjects. Once a physics professor created a facebook group to allow students to chat about the homework and give them hints.

Stephanie from Ouray, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Bang for the buck

It is quite expensive to go to college anywhere. However, there are so many opportunities - like Norlin, PLC, HRAP (or just RAP), etc - that it's definitely worth it!

Will enjoy being here

I will definitely enjoy being at CU Boulder. I know mountain climate, and I love the snow.

Will learn a lot

I am so glad I chose CU Boulder - I can't wait to get started with campus life! I've heard that the classes are excellent. I'm in the HRAP program, so I can take small honors courses in the residence hall of Arnett.

Sabrina from Westminster, CO

05/19/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

A student looking to be challenged academically will find the science programs at CU to be exceptional. Or a student who's looking to meet new people will find CU to be a excellent mix of people to meet and know.

Tips for prospective students

In High School, I rarely went in to talk with my teachers. However, college is different in the sense that I wished someone would have told me was to take advantage of my professors office hours. If someone would have told me this, my first semester at CU would have been much better. For one, I got the one-on-one attention that I needed to fully understand the concepts I needed to. From attending office hours and getting extra help, I saw my grades improve drastically. Secondly, I got to know my professors which ended up helping me last semester when I got sick and couldn't get out of bed for a couple of days. By knowing my professors personally, I got several extensions on assignments, even a few of them got dropped so I could focus on getting well. Getting to know your professors is an aid in the long run, which is why I emphasize this important point.

Bang for the buck

The courses at Boulder are academically challenging. Because of this, I'm learning a lot which is why an education at Boulder is well worth it. On the other hand, Boulder is a fairly expensive town. However, CU-Boulder offers many free activities to do on the weekend, so you still get your bang for your buck.

Am enjoying being here

Coming into college, I am all about school. Thus because I enjoy my classes, I enjoy being on campus. There's also plenty to do outside campus in the city of Boulder.

Am learning a lot

The science classes at Boulder are top-notch when it comes to covering mass amounts of material. Although this may seem like a lot to put on a student, the professors do a good job explaining everything needed to succeed in the class, and they're always available for extra help.

Apply early! This way, you have a far better chance of being awarded merit scholarships.

Bang for the buck

Boulder will get you off to a great start in the real world, but for out-of-state students, it can be pretty expensive.

Will enjoy being here

From what I have heard, Boulder is a great learning environment, as well as a fun place to be with excellent skiing and snowboarding spots. However, it will get pretty cold there, and being the weather-spoiled San Diego kid I am, I would not enjoy the snow very much.

Will learn a lot

I believe that I will learn more at Boulder than I will at most other schools. From what past students have told me, it is a great experience and a great learning environment, and I think that it could produce many successful students in the future, because it definitely has in the past and the present.

Garrett from Grand Junction, CO

Engineers and other Applied Science Majors, Physics, Business, Human Diversity such as Women's or Gay and Lesbian Studies, People who can afford CU and love the outdoors.

Tips for prospective students

Don't take an official tour, the campus is significantly different than the administration wants you believe. Sit in on classes. If you live within an hour of Boulder consider commuting to save money on the dorms and food, despite what the university will tell you, you can petition not to live on campus your freshman year and if you push to be involved you will be just as well integrated as if you lived on campus.

Bang for the buck

For students from Colorado, the university is easily the most expensive public choice and it is difficult to see why. The rec center was literally built before my parents graduated from CU and many of the buildings are poorly prepared for academics such as my programming classroom which did not have a projector despite the professor's repeated requests. More, the university creates a facade of monies well spent while essentially throwing student funds down the drain. A new and unneeded dining hall and an athletic center for losing teams were recently given funding over an expansion for the crammed and nationally ranked engineering school and the unchanged-since-the-1970's environmental design building. And the dorms aren't cheap, nearly $1000 a month per person for a 12x12 room with shared bathrooms is hardly a steal even in Boulder and $8 a meal is above eating out. Verdict, unless you have a major you can't do anywhere else, find somewhere else. Coming from out of state? forget it, tuition is more than many private schools.

Am enjoying being here

Being from Colorado I wanted to stay near the mountains for college where I could still do the activities I love and Boulder certainly caters to that. In fact, Boulder caters to a ton of things from art to skiing that make it excellent and the large community of college students insures an easy transition. The city itself, however, is lacking if not in color at least in practicality. While Boulder and the university claim to be staunch conservationists, lawns are over-watered and too much emphasis is often placed on cosmetic solutions while more practical, problem solving ones are ignored. The hypocritical atmosphere and overall aloof attitude of the administration which is just as concerned with money as with actual learning creates a frustrating distraction in such a beautiful place, but, when it can be ignored, Boulder is worthwhile.

Am learning a lot

As a student in the College of Engineering the academics of my college are excellent and many of my professors are leading authorities in their fields who convey information in class as well as they know it. Outside the technical college though the academics take a massive step down. Both of my first two semester I took upper division humanities electives, one of which required an academic level paper with the possibility of publication and found both to fall far short of the academic standards of College. As an upper level AP student in high school I expected proper, academic discussion but got boring reiteration of analysis and certainly nothing interesting. In fact, of a semester of information in my Art History class at the 3000 level, perhaps 10 to 15 percent of it was new information and the only other similar class I've had was AP art history, a much broader survey. For technical subjects CU is an excellent choice but when it comes to the humanities it should be easy to find a better program.

Sierra from Colorado Springs, CO

Outdoorsy People! (Thats why I went there!) Film and Business Students :]

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus, and give it time. If you get stuck in will-ville give it a try! I was living in Libby right on the main campus, but I decided to move to will-ville with a friend and had an awesome time. It's nice because the gym at will-ville isn't very busy like the one on main campus! Get involved! Go to all the free events, take advantage of the money you're spending to go there!

Bang for the buck

CU is expensive! School sponsored scholarships are hard to come by, since the school doesn't offer many. Federal loans and grants are usually enough to get by though, without going into super debt.

Did enjoy being here

The town of Boulder was really nice. Tons of hiking and skiing. Fun clubs and great intramural sports. I made great friends, but I had to search hard for the real people there. My problem at CU was that a lot of the students felt like they were better than others because they went to CU. They were very very rude to the fans from other teams. They weren't very sportsmanlike. I grew up in a family were sports were everything and I was shocked at how the students acted. I didn't want to go to a school who treated others like that, which is a big reason why I left CU. Please don't let this review change your mind on CU, because I did have great times there, but I knew it wasn't the right school for me.

Did learn a lot

I learned so much about my major at CU! It is the best film school in Colorado, so as a film major I loved all of my classes. I also took a general english class, where I learned more about writing than I did in all four years of high school. I'm really confident in my writing because of it. I also took a class on Italian society which was really cool. CU offers so many different classes in so many different topics! The professors are awesome and really nice. They even spend time with the students outside of class. I can't tell you how much I loved my classes!

Ran from Nederland, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

Social people, those willing to find professors if they need help, scientists

Tips for prospective students

Visit. To be honest, most of you will get in if you try. At least certain programs have automatic admittance based on GPA and test scores. Lastly, if you are interested in the College of Engineering, apply to that school. A large number of students apply to the Colleg of Arts and Sciences hoping to transfer. Transfering is not easy.

Bang for the buck

The financial aid is somewhat loan-heavy, and I don't know if out-of-state tuition would be worth it.

Will enjoy being here

The large community means that you will be able to meet interesting people with similar interests IF YOU LOOK. Having grown up in Boulder, I can say it is an interesting town. Lots of outdoor activities. The main frustration is that it is a college town, and there are enough CU students that some cause - minor - problems on a regular basis.

Will learn a lot

I've taken a few classes already, and registered for my first semester. Basically, it looks like you can learn a great deal, but it is a large school, and fairly easy on admissions. Thus, if you don't put extra effort in, you may fade into the masses and learn little.

Drew from Columbia, MO

Anyone who loves to ski, hike, ride bikes, camp, or just be active and outdoors will love it here!

Tips for prospective students

Stay on top of scholarship applications and start them early. Every $1,000 received is $1,000 that doesn't have to be borrowed! Cappex.com is a great place to start!

Bang for the buck

The city, proximity to the mountains, the easy-to-navigate and compact campus, and of course the quality of education make CU-Boulder one of the best value schools in the country

Am enjoying being here

Boulder is a wonderful place to live. The weather is gorgeous, the people are friendly, anything a student needs whether it be a place for school or living supplies, books, food, entertainment, or a great coffee shop to study or just relax at, is within a 1 mile radius of campus. On top of that, there are 5 major ski resorts under 2 hours away and they are very easy to drive to. It's great to be able to get up early on a weekend morning, get to the mountain by 8:30 when the lifts open, ski all day, and be back in time to study at night!

Am learning a lot

Classes are well taught and range in size from hundreds in a general lecture to 15-20 students in certain classes. Even my freshman writing class only had about 25 students. An excellent program CU has is called the Residential Academic Program. This program consists of certain classes being offered in classrooms that are actually in the student's residence hall. These RAP classes are great because they take a class that would otherwise have 50 or 60 students and shrink it down to around 20.

Kelsey from Louisville, CO

08/17/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Outdoorsy Active Laid Back Fun-Loving Hardworking Caring

Tips for prospective students

I would say you NEED to visit the campus AND take some time to explore the community. This is surprisingly important and can even impact your studies. If you're not feeling it move on, because unless you make some truely wonderful friends it's going to be a rough next couple of years.

Bang for the buck

I have yet to encounter someone who's really hated this school. The only thing I've heard of people leaving for is due to the Financial Aid office as they tend to be difficult (but this is how most schools are anyway). I originally attended the University of Denver and and I'm so happy I've made the switch, it was totally worth it.

Am enjoying being here

This University is located in a community that has some of the most laid back and caring people which means a lot and can be a factor in determining whether or not you want to continue your studies here. It's also in a beautiful not to mention convenient location close to many outdoor and indoor activities, shopping, and delicious food!

Am learning a lot

There are a lot of very interesting classes provided by each department but learning doesn't stop at the classroom. There's a lot to learn from the students as they come from all different cultures and backgrounds. The university also provides free programs for students to come and learn about more extracurricular subjects such as enviromental studies, EMT training, personal fitness trainer trainging, and much much more!

Hannah from Grand Junction, CO

I'm an engineer, and I highly recommend this school if you are interested in being an engineer. They also have a great arts and sciences program, although I don't know more about it.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that when you pick a college, that it's the right fit in a lot of different ways. You want to feel comfortable there, and you want the best program. Don't worry about prestige, it's not worth it. College is where you learn how to learn and decide what it is you want to do.

Bang for the buck

Really, I think all college should be cheaper. That being said, CU is relatively low-cost.

Am enjoying being here

The CU community is very inclusive. It may be a big school, but it doesn't feel that way.

Am learning a lot

I'm successfully learning new languages for programming and I'm learning Japanese to boot. This college is great!

Hailey from Fort Lupton, CO

The school offers many opportunities for almost any jobs or career choices, with internships, research, and volunteer work. It is a very amazing school!

Tips for prospective students

CU Boulder has one of the best Business Schools in the State, so if you are looking into business this would be a great school to attend for that. The Music department is also very spectacular, with an amazing marching band. The science departments have many medical buildings and such, that are very big on research.

Bang for the buck

The price to attend the school is a bit expensive, but it is a top university like Yale and Oxford, etc, without being to much. The school does offer many scholarships and grants, as well as work study so you can have a flexible job while attending school.

Am enjoying being here

I love CU Boulder, the faculty is nice and very helpful, and if they cannot answer your questions they will send you to many different people who can. I also enjoy the campus location, right by the mountains, and is always a beautiful scene. There is so much to do in Boulder so you will never be bored!

Am learning a lot

I am majoring in Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology which is a very competitive area, I have learned a lot from my professors however they go over about 1-2 topics a day, which calls for extra studying to really learn the material.

Benjamin from Boulder, CO

Students in physics. If you like greek life Boulder has a large greek scene. If you want to live in a somewhat temperate, beautiful, openminded area this is the place to be!

Tips for prospective students

Bring a coat! The campus is huge, you must accept that you'll be one of 50,000 if you're come here. Other than that have so much fun!

Bang for the buck

Expensive if you're out of state, totally worth it if you'd instate. There are world-renowned schools here in Astrophysics. If you're interested this place is worth it.

Am enjoying being here

THIS PLACE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! The mountains here are gorgeous and there are so many great people here to share it with. Everyone is very active outdoors and if you can put up with some snow this place is paradise!

Am learning a lot

The first semester I took for classes: Intro to Theatre, Dance and Culture, Deviance in US Society, and Introduction to Philosophy. Every one of the classes was entertaining, but Theatre and Dance were not very informative. Most of the material was general knowledge stuff and I passed both classes easily. Intro to Philosophy was wonderful it covered the basics of Epistemology, Metaphysics, Logic, and Ethics.

Ellen from Louisville, CO

self motivated, independent, ready to learn, ready to get involved and put yourself out there

Tips for prospective students

Don't get dragged down by the party aspect. It is good to go out and have fun, but a lot of people let their academics slide to the point where they can't attend anymore. It is also really hard to get your GPA up if you let it drop for any reason, especially partying. Make sure to keep up with reading and schoolwork throughout the semester. It is really hard to catch up at the end for finals if you have been slacking all semester. Get to know your teachers. If they like you and something happens where you have to miss class or turn in an assignment late, they are much more understanding if you have participated in class and taken the time to get to know them. Get involved around campus. It is really easy to get lost in the huge campus, and it is important to make friends and find your own nook.

Bang for the buck

It is really expensive, especially in this hard economic time.

Am enjoying being here

It is a beautiful campus in a beautiful place with so much to do. The college really interacts with the outside community, which was really important to me. The students are accepted and welcomed by everyone, and the college gives a a lot back to the community as a whole. Everyone is really considerate and conscious of others beliefs and feelings toward a wide variety of subjects, including minority background, sexual orientation, and political beliefs.

Am learning a lot

The teachers are really helpful and go at the perfect pace, but some classes you have to take for your core repeat what I have already learned in high school, so it is a drag to take them. This is true of most colleges unless you get AP credit though.

Brittany from Evergreen, CO

This college is good for anyone that will put the work into being here. If you put in the work the social lifestyle is still available and so much fun.

Tips for prospective students

This college is fun and worth it if you stay on top of your grades. You need to put in work for any college, but it's just important to remember to stay on top of your game.

Bang for the buck

Tuition has risen, and that's a negative. However, loans and scholarships are available.

Am enjoying being here

The lifestyle one chooses in college is up to that person. If you want academically charged lifestyles those are available through the clubs. If you are athletic there is rock climbing, bike trails, and the mountains close by for skiing. Also, if you want social stimulation there is a large network of personal activites that can be easily accessed. I enjoy a little of everything, so I am completely content with my life here.

Am learning a lot

At University of Colorado at Boulder the classes are diversified. It is up to you to choose what classes you'd like to learn the most about, and once enrolled it's easy to learn about theses subjects. The teachers are widely helpful and will help you if sought out. Also, there are many clubs and extracurricular activities that can be participated in to provide further knowledge of these courses.

Tammy from Aurora, CO

01/02/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

The university is great for those looking for a big university in a more urban area. There are student groups for almost everything, and if there isn't, it is easy to start one. The engineering school is widely known.

Tips for prospective students

Always go to class and pay attention; notes help tremendously! Join student groups and attend various different meetings to get to know others better! Office hours are very helpful.

Bang for the buck

The cost can be a bit expensive if you include both room and board, but is more cost-efficient when it is only tuition.

Am enjoying being here

The people are very friendly and the school is open to a widely diverse student population as well as staff population.

Am learning a lot

The professors go through a lot of material but there are always opportunities to reinforce the information through office hours, study groups, and reviewing notes.

Teriann from Aurora, CO

01/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Any students! They have a great diverse community and many different diverse programs. People who enjoy awesome weather and the wonderful view of the mountains would love it here! Also people who enjoy awesome people with a friendly atmosphere! Basically great for anyone!

Tips for prospective students

Manage your time well! Be organized and responsible and on top of exam dates and due dates. Be prepared, because there will always be plenty of play time later!

Hollie from Longmont, CO

01/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

boulder is an outdoorsy kind of place so there are all kinds of things to do like hiking, biking, rock climbing, snowboarding/skiing in the winter, as well as the bars and downtown hang out places on pearl street and the surrounding streets. campus activities are abundant so there is always something happening like movie showings, dances, sorority/fraternity events, and club meetings.

Food and Dining

there are great meal options on campus for meal plans as well as local restaurants in the area. the prices are not bad at all. boulder is a health conscious place, so finding good food out is easy, especially for those with food allergies or restrictive diets. for those looking at just the dining on campus, there are several great options throughout campus. the food is not awful cafeteria food either.

Dorm Life

it's a party school so living on campus will be difficult for those who are serious about their studies. the library and several other options on campus are a great way to avoid others and get homework done. the dorms are also older so they are a little cramped for space. don't plan on owning a car if living on campus. parking is terrible and having a pass gets expensive. the bus system is pretty good and definitely the best way to get around town. owning a bike is always a good idea too.

Academic Rigor

cu is not the most rigorous university, depending on the department. the leeds school of business is definitely harder than any other college in the university. otherwise it is a pretty average state school with the requirements and expectations not being super difficult.

Tips for prospective students

be involved in some capacity. there are so many opportunities to make friends outside of class and should be taken advantage of. if you are looking for being a number and part of a crowd, without having to have any personal connection to other students or professors, then cu is a great university. if you are looking for interaction with professors, then a smaller school might be better. going to class is not always required but definitely beneficial, depending on the course and the department for sure.

In three sentences

the university of colorado had a lot to offer students who are interested in being involved on campus, either through sororities/fraternities, clubs, or sports. the university is also a very large school with a majority of the classes being impersonal because of the size. cu is also a party school, so there are lots of opportunities to not have anything to do with academics.

Sascha from Castle Rock , CO

the campus is very safe. programs like cu night ride have been implemented to keep students safe by driving or walking callers home, and the cupd is always closeby, as well as an emergency phone.

Greek Life

greek life is okay. the fraternities are not linked with the school, so they have some boozy parties, and are unhealthy to live in, but the sororities are clean and cozy, though greek life is not something cu is huge on.

Clubs and Activities

there are plenty of activities, of any kind. there are literally too many to list, but if it isn't out there, you can be the one to create it.

Great for these types of students

cu is great for the hard working, sporty, fun loving, original, eco-friendly, healthy, happy and kind student. people walk around the campus with friendly smiles.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

pearl street is a hang out that can be... strange to people who have not been to boulder. it's something every cu student experiences and something others should try to as well.

What to do for fun

aside from the party scene, the flat irons, creeks, campus activities, mall, the famous pearl street and the hill are all incredible hang outs. people here can do pretty much anything- go out to eat, shop, play music for others, join clubs and groups, see improv shows, get food, see movies, the opportunities are endless because boulder is an incredible college town.

Food and Dining

the food in the dining halls is okay. it's edible, sometimes pretty good, but it's not one of the things i love about cu. they do offer a variety, which is nice, and try to have healthy and vegetarian options, but as far as taste goes it could be much, much better.

Dorm Life

the dorms are okay, a great experience for any college student to be sure. however, apartments throughout boulder are nicer, and the public transport system makes the trek to campus easier and worth the distance.

Academic Rigor

after having been named number one party school in the us, cu is having some problems with partying. however, the academics are great, and there are plenty of hard working students. cu allows hard working students to achieve high grades, while challenging these workers. it's not a school for the lazy partier.

Tips for prospective students

cu boulder is a great place to get a quality education while still having fun college years, but be careful. there is a party scene, which to be honest, isn't worth the dangers it presents. the beautiful flat irons, creeks, and local attractions are plenty of fun on their own!

In three sentences

cu boulder gives an incredible education and has incredible professors and several nobel laureates. it's an eco-friendly university that offers plenty of volunteer opportunities helping people as well as the environment. and cu is a great place to spend college years because it holds a party scene as well as a healthier, more innocent scene of fun, making it perfect for any student.

Joseph from Aurora, CO

dining is nice if your dorm is on main campus, and is decent when you're dorm is in william's village.

Dorm Life

the dorms vary, but for the most part, the dorms are nice.

Academic Rigor

the courses get harder and harder, don't underestimate the workload.

Tips for prospective students

get ready to read a lot!

In three sentences

the university of colorado boulder is a well developed university with professors that are willing to help if you are willing to ask. the campus is beautiful and the air is wonderful to breathe in on campus. there are also many friendly peers here, making it easy to make friends.

Lauren from Highlands Ranch, CO

02/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

cu boulder is one of the best places to be for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and skiing/snowboarding! pearl street has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars which can all be reached by public transportation for free. there are plenty of sporting events, concerts, and shows within boulder or denver.

Food and Dining

the c4c is the newest dining center on campus, it has a huge selection of food! the school is very accommodating of dietary restrictions (including vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets). the grab-and-go food stations are helpful for the times that you need to grab a quick bite and don't want to go to the dinning halls.

Dorm Life

living in the residence halls is part of the college experience that a person should not miss out on. the best part of living in the dorms is having a lot of people around. having an ra for guidance really helps if you need to just talk with someone.

Academic Rigor

some of the classes that i have enrolled in have been very challenging and have covered a lot of information in a very short period of time. the required classes were difficult at sometimes. the courses from my major were not particularly challenging, but i still learned a significant amount of information.

Tips for prospective students

class attendance is extremely important; some professors will add attendance as a portion of the overall grade. attend the professor's office hours if you have any questions about the material of the class. for every hour that you spend in class, you should spend at least two hours outside of the class studying.

In three sentences

cu is an awesome school; the atmosphere is fantastic. the classes are excellent and taught by professors that are very good at their jobs. there are plenty of majors and classes to meet the needs of all the students.

Katrina

it's boulder! what can't you do? very close to snowboarding, hiking, clubbing, bowling. there's a little bit of something for everyone.

Food and Dining

the c4c is great! darley is not the best though...

Dorm Life

very fun!! definitely worth it!

Academic Rigor

classes can be very hard, but if you do your homework and come to class you should be okay. some subjects require more studying than others. most classes are very enjoyable and interesting.

Tips for prospective students

make sure you have your financial aid and money for tuition set up as soon as possible. do your reasearch if you use a private lender to make sure they are reliable. the only drawback of cu is that they don't contact private lenders if they can aviod it. be proactive. also, do your reading and go to class and you will do great. get to know proffessors.

In three sentences

cu boulder is really great. the courses are intriguing and the proffessors do a wonderful job to get everyone interested in the material. they do a great job of getting you the personal attention you need to succeed in your classes.

Sophomore Advertising Major from Boulder, CO

social butterflies, people who have a good balance between getting stuff done and going out to have a good time.

Bang for the buck

you certainly get a good education, but tuition is ridiculously high. as long as you use all the benefits you're entitled to as a student, it's well worth your time.

What to do for fun

hookah is fairly big in boulder; if you come to cu you'll likely meet someone who owns one or there's plenty of hookah bars around. driving up flagstaff is a good time--ten minutes up into the foothills and there's lot of scenic spots to look out on the town. the fox theater hosts some good concerts, outdoor movies are shown near pearl street, many people here are really big on skiing/snowboarding.

Food and Dining

the center for community (c4c) has an incredible dining hall with a ridiculous amount of choices. on the other end, darley has a reputation for being pretty bad. there's lots of grab-n-go's on campus that are all pretty decent. go to farrand for your greasy food fix. darley grab-n-go has custom sandwiches and stuff that makes it a much better choice than its dine-in. the town has all sorts of great places to eat. close to campus is the hill which has some great, cheap food--deli zone (subs), tra ling's (chinese take out), cheba hut (stoner subs), lollicup (amazing boba milk tea), five guys, jimmy johns, etc.

Dorm Life

it's fun to get to know the people in your hall, just like any dorm. not all at cu are created equal though... kittredge, andrews, arnett, buckingham, and smith are all pretty far from most classroom buildings, cheyenne arapahoe has a lot of music majors that tend to practice all throughout the day, the engineering dorms (especially honors) are very quiet and not for social butterflies who like to keep their doors open and hang out. anything around farrand field is subject to the marching band practicing in the wee hours of the morning. will vill is in a neat location since it's more off campus and close to grocery stores, restaurants, etc, but it may take a bit longer to get to class since you have to ride the buff bus.

Academic Rigor

these classes aren't like your high school level electives. they are definitely a step up, but as a result they push you to achieve great things. you would be surprised how many colleges let their students skate by in easy-peasy classes and end up completely unprepared for the real world.

Tips for prospective students

a local bus pass and a bunch of printing money is included in your student fees, so definitely plan on taking advantage of those opportunities by living on/close to a bus route and not buying a printer. you won't need a car because you can only get around campus by walking, biking, or long boarding and parking passes are astronomically expensive.

In three sentences

this highly pedestrian campus is beautiful, with the mountains close by and eldora ski resort only a 45 minute drive away. great college town with plenty of opportunities to lounge outside on a nice day, plus tons of lovable coffee shops, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and organic/vegan options. the classes are challenging, but not impossible; they give you a chance to make you feel like your degree is actually worth something and there's always a good party going on when you need one!

Bradford from Boulder, CO

03/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

emergency telephones every 20 feet, night ride service, large bus system that ends late (usually around 3), administration emails all students about attacks, robberies or serious illnesses that are contagious,

KC

great campus safety, you can call security and they will walk you back to your dorm if you out late studying.

Bang for the buck

cheap for in state students and expensive for out of state. not a ton of scholarship for students.

What to do for fun

ski, go to concerts, go for a hike, mountain bike and so much more! cu is a great place of an active student.

Food and Dining

there are many different places to get food on and off campus!

Dorm Life

dorm life is okay, there are many different types of room and location so make sure to find out what you like best.

Academic Rigor

at the cu there are different colleges within the university which increases the rigor for students who know what they want to major in. if you don't know, you can be a general student in the university until you want to declare your major.

Tips for prospective students

make sure that you visit the campus and get a feel for the environment and the student life. this should play a roll in your decision.

In three sentences

the university of colorado boulder is such a cool school and an amazing environment. boulder is a hippy, environmentally forward town and is wonderful place for a university. great school, with great opportunities for growth and development for incoming students.

Alison from Fort Collins, CO

04/01/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus is well lit and the university provides a free shuttle service to anywhere in Boulder for students who are out late (studying or socializing). The University's Police Department is very capable--response time anywhere is Boulder is about 5 minutes. Like any college campus, there are incidents ranging from petty theft to sexual assault, but overall students feel safe on campus and in Boulder in general. The public transportation system runs late (3am) so a lot of people feel better about not having to walk or worry about potential DUI's.

Greek Life

Greek life is alive and well in Boulder, though not a necessity to be involved in for a good time. Though a significant amount of people rush and the fraternity parties are popular freshman year, people often gravitate towards smaller, but still very fun, house parties as they get older. Fraternities are not directly affiliated with the university but sororities are (their choice). Either way, it doesn't seem to impact the experience and most people who are in the system love being Greek. People who are not in the Greek system still have an active social life and have plenty of opportunities to party if they wish.

Clubs and Activities

There is every club sport available, including broomball (look it up!) and inner-tuber water polo. Our skiing and cross country teams are always very good. Our basketball team is also pretty good (men and women's). Football games are a big deal for students here, though unfortunately our team is still adjusting to entering the Pac-12. There are all types of clubs available and CU hosts a gathering of all of them at the beginning of the year so that students can see if they'd be interested in joining any of them. Going off campus also provides lots of opportunities to volunteer. We have lots of non-profits!

Great for these types of students

Outdoorsy, active, 4/20 friendly, into partying, interested in physics, architecture, or becoming astronauts. If you're into social justice, Boulder is VERY active around that. CU consistently has the largest percentage of students serving in the Peace Corps. Definitely a good place for hippies and hipsters.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Macky auditorium is said to be haunted. There is also a network of underground tunnels where people who had died from the plague were stored, but that's all clear now! CU is known for its 4/20 events, much to the dismay of the school and delight of some students. It's tradition to kiss the buffalo statue on campus on your 21st birthday. Ralphie, our live buffalo mascot, comes out for every football game. Pretty cool!

Bang for the buck

If you are in-state, it's really not bad. Especially if you become a resident advisor, since your room & board is then paid for. If you're out of state, it's pretty pricey! But a lot of people are from out of state and I've never heard anyone say they regretted coming out to Colorado.

What to do for fun

Boulder has so much to do! The University itself has an ice rink and a bowling alley! There are also free movie showings every Friday and some Wednesdays. If you enjoy the outdoors, Boulder is the place for you. Campus is maybe 20 minutes from the mountains to hike, and we are close to some of the greatest ski/snowboarding locations in the country (Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge...) The slack-lining and rock climbing community is also very active. Otherwise, Boulder has a great music scene and brings in talent from all over. The school also invites a number of lecturers, artists, and musicians throughout the year. If Boulder is not enough for you, Denver (the state capital) is only 45 minutes away. There's always something to do!

Food and Dining

It depends where you go, but there are definitely some exciting options. There is a huge dining hall on the East end of campus with a pasta station, a sushi station, a burrito station, etc. There is also the option to grab-and-go if you're on the run. One of the grab and gos is organic and offers local options. It's also easier to stay healthy thanks to the expansive salad bars.

Dorm Life

Dorms are awesome. It all depends on the Resident Advisor you get. There are a ton of ways to get involved within your dorm. People definitely make great friends by living in the dorms, and many room together after freshman year.

Academic Rigor

If you want, you can coast through school without working too hard. However, if you take some time to ask about classes and professors, you can definitely challenge yourself. LOTS of options for research and publication. Honors classes are also of great caliber.

Tips for prospective students

Factor in off campus housing costs when you look at costs of attendance. Boulder can have steep rental costs if you don't want to live on campus all 4 years (most people don't). Talk to your professors! Many students don't, so they are really willing to work with you if you do. Explore Boulder! It's a great town and a lot of freshmen don't take the time to go off campus much.

In three sentences

Consistently rated as a top party school, CU Boulder is definitely for people who like to have fun. However, it can be academically rigorous if a student seeks out more difficult classes and professors. It's a beautiful campus with many opportunities to get involved and have a wonderful experience.

Ian from Louisville, CO

On the quad, at least, we celebrate Pi Day by throwing pies at our RAs.

Bang for the buck

It's not the best school ever, but it's also not the most expensive school ever.

What to do for fun

So much. There's Chatauqua park if you're looking for a hike, there's a few malls in the local area and a wonderful bus system to get you there. There's also a lot of open field within the university where you can toss a football or play frisbee.

Food and Dining

The dining hall food is much better than you would expect. There's handmade burgers, omelets, and a massive dining hall with access to persian, asian, latin, and italian food, as well as a grill and kosher station.

Dorm Life

Living in the Engineering Quad is one of the best experiences I've had in my life so far.

Academic Rigor

The engineering school is very good, but it's also quite hard.

Tips for prospective students

If you're from out of state, drink a lot of water (Dehydration can really destroy your studying chances). Keep it within 18 credit-hours your first year.

In three sentences

It's a very relaxed place to be. The engineering school is AMAZING. It's within walking distance of most of Boulder, so there's always somewhere to go.

Anonymous from Boulder, CO

Campus and boulder are pretty safe, although you probably shouldn't walk along at night off campus.

Greek Life

I am not a part of greek life, and although it is present on campus it is not a huge part. You by no means need to be a part of greek life to have a social life or attend parties.

Clubs and Activities

Anything and everything you heart could desire.

Great for these types of students

Scientists- Outdoorsy people- School Spirited People- People who work hard play hard- Skiers/Snowboarders- Happy People-

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

hm, We have a real buffalo as a mascot! She runs on the field before the football games and at half time.

Bang for the buck

I think it is a great school, and it won't cost you $50,000 a year like harvard will.

What to do for fun

ANYTHING. Hiking, biking, skiing, farmer's market, party, go see concerts, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, go see a movie, go shopping, camping, there is SO much to do in boulder. You will never get bored, and wish you had more than 4 years to see everything.

Food and Dining

The dining hall was fine when I was a freshman, now I buy my own food because I live in a house. But the new Center for Community (C4C) is awesome.

Dorm Life

I lived in Arnett, the honors dorm at the time. I loved it, it had great community. They are currently trying to get other dorms to have as much community. Living in the dorms in a great experience your freshman year, it helps you make friends and learn where everything is. At CU, most students only live in the dorms freshman year.

Academic Rigor

The Academic life is what you make it. I am a biology student so many of my classes have been hard as CU is a great school for sciences. However, some of my other classes in other subjects have been easy compared to my science classes.

Tips for prospective students

1. Whevever you go, make sure you get involved in something. A club, an intramural sport, but do something! Right away. Trust me. 2. Make sure you choose the right PLACE for your adventure. Location does make a difference. If one school is ranked 77 and another 65, chances are the academics will NOT make a difference. 3. Your experience is up to you, and you only. Be your own advocate for what you want. If you want to work in a lab, do it, if you want to make your own club make one, if you want to meet new people, meet them. You are in charge, and you decide what college experience you will have.

In three sentences

Great school, especially if you're majoring in one of the sciences. Very large school, but with over 200 clubs. Great school spirit! Outdoorsy, and a lot of fun.

Natalie from Solvang, CA

There is something for everyone. I was on crew (rowing) my first year.

Great for these types of students

All types!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

CU is the greenest campus in the US! Serious about recycling and reusing...

Bang for the buck

Extremely qualified professors, incredible location...can't go wrong!

What to do for fun

There's tons of shopping and a huge movie theater. Pearl street is world famous for all of the different stuff up there. I think Football season is the best...games are SO FUN! There are a bunch of club sports and activities that you can get involved in. Literally unlimited opportunity...not to mention INCREDIBLE skiing/boarding in the winter!

Food and Dining

CU is ranked in the top 10 best dining halls in the country! The food is fresh and really yummy! The Center for Community (C4C) is the main dining hall. There are different ethnic stations so there is always something new and delicious. All of the food is prepared by professional chefs. Nutrition is really taken seriously which I really enjoyed.

I took AP and honors classes all through high school so I feel as though I was pretty well prepared for the academic rigor. All of the professors I have had are really nice and willing to help in any way they can. Tons of help offered if needed!

Tips for prospective students

Try and get into Kittridge Complex for dorm...brand new and beautiful setting. I would suggest having a bike because it is a big campus and it's nice to be able to get around quickly. Be prepared for all weather--Colorado can have changes in weather! I love it though!

In three sentences

An amazing campus! I love going to school here. Boulder is an awesome place to live. Relatively mild winters, beautiful is all seasons! Transportation is great! You can literally get anywhere for free so you don't need a car.

Morgan from Thornton, CO

Flat irons for hiking and Eldora ski resort is great in the wintertime for skiing and snowboarding.

Food and Dining

Center for Community (C4C) is excellent.

Dorm Life

I was very disappointed with my dorm experience.

Tips for prospective students

Live off campus outside of Boulder, although it is a drive to campus, the money you will be saving can go to other college expenses.

In three sentences

The instructors for lower division courses are not as adequate as I had expected upon entering the university. The foreign language department however is excellent. The facilities are always clean and very nice.

Evann from Castle Rock, CO

As rigorous a program as any, with the bigger name behind it. There is definitely respect due to those graduating from Boulder.

What to do for fun

Again, Boulder.

Food and Dining

Cannot complain. It's Boulder.

Dorm Life

Dorms are okay, like the classification systems, but definitely looked forward to getting my own place.

Academic Rigor

Had exactly what I needed, and the courses are challenging, but rewarding.

Tips for prospective students

Do not count yourself out if your grades or test scores are low. The better you present yourself, the better your chances.

In three sentences

Boulder caters to the student. The prevalence of the student is made more important according less to the application in school, and more toward the ability of the student to progress. Really easy to talk to, highly recommended.

Elizabeth from Boulder, CO

Not very big - a good thing! Your social life doesn't revolve around sororities and fraternities.

Clubs and Activities

The club athletic teams are lots of fun, and there are a ton of clubs at CU.

Great for these types of students

It's great for motivated but easygoing students.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I love sitting by the pond at Sewell - it's kind of out of the way, and very peaceful.

Bang for the buck

I pay in-state, and it's a great value! I am not convinced that paying more for a private university would be worth it.

What to do for fun

CU has tons of extracurriculars! The club teams, like swimming and diving, are especially good. There is a good social scene at CU - it's not too focused on Greek life. You don't have to be in Greek life to have a social life.

Food and Dining

The C4C and the Farrand Grab-n-Go are especially good. I miss the Farrand burgers!

Dorm Life

I was in a RAP program, which I highly recommend doing. You have smaller classes in your dorm, and I think participating in a RAP program makes you closer to the people in your dorm.

Academic Rigor

I have had been overall pleased with the academic rigor. I'm not overly stressed, but I am challenged. I have especially liked the classes taken for my major, English.

Tips for prospective students

CU is a good fit if you want a big school with something always going on. Just because it's a big school though doesn't mean you'll have small classes, which I like. The size of my classes has ranged from 15-300 people.

In three sentences

There is no college town that beats Boulder. I have had some classes and professors that have been amazing. Overall, I love the atmosphere of the campus and city.

Robin from Essex, VT

There are tons of clubs for everyone at CU and if there isn't one that you like start your own!

Great for these types of students

CU- Boulder is great for people that love the outdoors, being active, spending time with friends, and getting a good education all at once. Be prepared for beautiful weather almost every day. Since Boulder gets 300 days of sunshine.

Bang for the buck

I feel like I have been getting a great education although out of state tuition is VERY expensive. I recently was granted in state tuition which will save me a lot of money. If you can get in state go for it. It is a lot of paper work but very worth it. Also, if you do end up paying out of state tuition you don't have to worry about them raising tuition on you because it is set for all 4 years.

What to do for fun

There are tons of fun things to do in Boulder: hiking, biking, climbing, swimming in the res., tubing the Boulder creek, night life on downtown Pearl st., shopping, and tons more.

Food and Dining

On campus dining is ok just like at every other school. Now that they put the C4C in you have a lot more options for food. They also have some grab and go options which is nice when you don't want to wait in line for food. One thing I have to mention is watch your portions. Although I didn't have this problem, it is super easy to over eat especially when you are stressed when food is easily accessible.

Dorm Life

I can't rate dorm life super high because of course it isn't ideal. It can be loud and you might not always get along with your roommate. CU Boulder's dorms are pretty nice and you do meet a lot of interesting and cool people. However, some of the dorms require you to take the bus to campus which is almost never on time, so that is kind of a pain. I highly suggest doing the RAPS programs in the dorms. It is a great transition from the smaller classes in highschool to the larger classes in college. Overall, dorm living is nice because campus is at your finger tips.

Academic Rigor

I would say that this completely depends on your program. I am in MCDB and Neuroscience so I am very busy. I would say that engineering are by far the most intense programs. There is a wide range of academic rigor based on your school and program. There are programs that don't require as much studying and work. It is all about picking what is right for you.

Tips for prospective students

My main advice is work hard and don't be afraid to ask. Many people get caught up in the college life and forget to work hard. College is not easy and you have to learn to balance all of the thing you want to do. Don't get stuck with bad grades your freshman year because they really do mess with your future GPA. Also, get suggestions for classes from upperclassman, talk with your professors and graduate students. Also, try to get involved as much as you can. There are some really amazing clubs with fun perks!

In three sentences

CU Boulder is have well structured programs taught by top notch professors. The campus is beautiful and there are tons of things to do. Overall I would recommend CU Boulder to anyone that is wants a great education and loves to be outside!

Myrna from Boulder, CO

There is all kind of entertainments: From movie theater to sports, all kinds of Art activities, etc, etc.

Food and Dining

The variety and quality of the food is wonderful in the main dining area, I don't know about the dorms, I imagine is similar.

Dorm Life

I can not speak to that because I don't live in dorms.

Academic Rigor

It all depends on the major and the level. I think I took some very challenging classes while doing my BA, some easier ones. My MA was definitely more challenging.

Tips for prospective students

Join a group or club of interest to you, it will give you the opportunity to meet people with similar interests. Ask for help from teachers if you need it. Keep informed about campus extra curricular programming, it can be very entertaining and interesting.

In three sentences

At Colorado University, you will find all kinds of support from teachers and special programs. Teachers are always available. There are many ethnic, cultural, environmental, etc groups for students to participate, The campus is beautiful.

Gabriela from Longmont, CO

There are numerous restaurants, offering a variety of food near the campus. Snowboarding and skiing is also only a few miles away. There are many unique shops and boutiques for shopping as well.

Tips for prospective students

Coming in as a freshman, I would encourage each student to become aware of all the organizations and student groups on campus. Since the university is so large, finding a group of people to fit in with is essential.

In three sentences

When it comes to an academic community, this university is outstanding, by offering great classes and great professors. There are numerous programs and organizations to help you succeeded in each and every one of your class. I would rate this university an 8 of 10 because the education aspect is great, however I would wish the community was more diverse.

Jasmine from Montrose, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

The Police Department on the campus does an impressive job keeping the campus a safe place to be.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs to choice from and that is important because it is such a large campus. With the amount of clubs that the school offers, everyone can feel a part of something and not alone.

What to do for fun

There is numerous things to do for fun in Boulder, especially outdoor activities. With the Flat Irons right outside your window, the activities are endless. Pearl Street is a few blocks from the campus and a wonderful place to shop and eat.

Food and Dining

The food is exceptional and perfect for anyone because there are so many choices.

Dorm Life

From the experience of spending the night in one of the dorms during orientation, I believe the dorm life is great. The rooms are the perfect size and very nice.

Academic Rigor

The University of Colorado is very prosperous when it comes to academics.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should make sure to visit the campus and get as many questions answered before they make their final decision.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado Boulder is a remarkable school. Many students should choose to attend this school for various reasons. The campus is beautiful and the school is highly known for it's academic achievements.

Look into greek life. Hike, join clubs, shop, work out, make music, slackline, play outside

Food and Dining

c4c is awesome!

Tips for prospective students

Take a look at greek life, it can help you make a solid friend group and have a ton of fun experiences.

In three sentences

CU Boulder has a beautiful campus located in one of the most gorgeous cities in America. You will find many different opportunities to meet diverse and interesting people. The courses are challenging, but you will also find a mix of fun activities all the time.

Rebecca from Boulder, CO

Kayley from Colorado

07/11/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder is only a few blocks away, and you can even get a free cab there. You can take a free bus to Denver and go shopping or out to eat. You can head up to one of many ski resorts in Colorado for the weekend. People in Boulder like to be outside, and there are lots of bike trails and hiking trails to take advantage of. Plus, there are lots of cool clubs to get involved with on campus and really nice free gyms.

Food and Dining

The food is so good. Where I'll be living there's a grab and go burrito place that is basically like Qdoba. In the Center for Community there's a huge dining hall with all different kinds of food (italian, asian, huge salad bar, bbq, mexican, cereal all day, even sushi and like 20 different kinds of ice cream. CU is really good about accomodating people with food allergies, and even use local and organic ingredients for the most part. There are cool coffee shops and a food court with restaurant chain food too.

Dorm Life

I haven't actually started classes yet, but I've stayed overnight in the dorms several times, most recently for orientation. The dorms are much better than some I've seen, and there are lots of different options (apartment style living, separate bathrooms, single rooms) depending on where you live. Campus safety is also very stong.

Academic Rigor

I went to private school through 7th grade and then went to a rigorous charter school from 8th through 12th grade. I thought finding a college to challenge me would be tough, but CU has honors classes available and has a fairly rigorous system depending on how many credits you want to take per semester and depending on your major.

Tips for prospective students

Even though CU Boulder is often reviewed as a party school because of 420, the dean and much of the university staff have basically eliminated all 420 activity on campus for safety and reputation reasons. The way I look at it, there is going to be partying at every college, so don't let CU Boulder's party reputation deter you from applying or enrolling.

In three sentences

The campus is beautiful, even for someone native to Colorado. There is great opportunity for research positions. For being a public state university CU Boulder is highly respected, despite rumors that it's a party school.

Lynnette from Highlands Ranch, CO

07/11/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Greek Life

Depends.

Clubs and Activities

If they don't have what you're interested in, it's super easy to start one. But there are TONS of student groups to get involved in, and they serve a crucial role in creating close-knit communities on a huge campus.

Great for these types of students

Totally depends. Check it out for yourself and see.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Go to the sink before graduation when you're a senior, it's a blast. Also, eat at the Buff - best breakfast you'll ever have.

Bang for the buck

Glad I went there for my undergrad.

What to do for fun

Hike, Bike, Run, go to the Res, check out shows at the Fox or the Boulder Theater, hang out at Chautauqua, walk around Pearl Street... There's tons to do.

Food and Dining

C4C dining is excellent, but gets boring very quickly. However, it's leaps and bounds better than what there used to be.

Dorm Life

Loved it! You meet great people, and there's always something going on. Plus, you can't beat rolling out of bed and walking to class.

Academic Rigor

Much as with any school, it's completely what you make it. It can be a very challenging education, or you can skate by.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved early on. In a school with approximately 30,000 students it's easy to get lost in the crowd. Find something that you're passionate about and that way, you'll meet a lot of great people as well!

In three sentences

There is a great community for just about every type of person, you just have to find it, which is easier said than done. Very little diversity. Quality education.

Matthew from Aurora, CO

07/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Very safe, there is a police department on campus that has jurisdiction throughout the entire state. There are also blue light posts every few hundred feet that call emergency services and will be there within a couple of minutes.

Greek Life

I'm not too sure about Greek Life, I never became a part of it, but I know that there are a lot of different options.

Clubs and Activities

So many clubs and activities, anything that you have an interest in there is a club for it, and if it isn't there yet, the process to create a club is simple and quick. There are clubs for different ethnic backgrounds (Japanese Student Association), martial arts (Kendo), hobbies (Photography, Hiking), sports (Lacrosse, Fencing, Rowing), and career possibilities (American Medical Student Association, Finance).

Great for these types of students

I think it's great for every type of student, there are so many different student cultures throughout the school that you will have no issue finding a place to fit in and tons of friends.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Thursday night bike ride is always awesome, bikes fitted with LED's, sound systems, and glow sticks riding down the Boulder creek. There is also the naked pumpkin run on Halloween, which draws people to Pearl Street besides the bars.

Bang for the buck

As an in-state student, the pricing is fine. If you're from out of state, then you probably want to apply for instate as quickly as you can.

What to do for fun

There are so many options to do for fun, from hanging out on the quads, throwing around frisbees, lacrosse, every sport under the sun. Running and walking around town, lots of shops and restaurants close to campus. Great facilities at the rec center, some hidden ping pong tables if you know where to look, and gaming is always an option.

Food and Dining

The food was pretty much always good. There are always the staples of a college diet, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, etc., but also a lot of healthy options like salads and fresh fruit. There are really awesome holiday meals, snacks during finals, and great to-go options. I have friends that still go to the dining halls for food as seniors.

Dorm Life

I had a three person dorm room in Darley North in Williams Village, although it was off of the main campus, it developed into its own community. And, living in that dorm, my roommates and I were lucky enough to have our own bathroom, pretty luxurious for a dorm.

Academic Rigor

I took on a fairly heavy load, three majors and two minors, so I experienced a more difficult time in school than most people.

Tips for prospective students

Work lightly during the time that you're in school so you can escape with minimal debt. Utilize the important offices, pre-professional, financial aid, career services, etc. Also, get to know your teachers, TA's, LA's, and advisors, they can help you out a lot.

In three sentences

The school has been great so far, I am a recent graduate, but returning to retake classes before applying for medical school. The student life and culture in Boulder is truly amazing, and is something that you will become attached to and integrated into quickly. The programs and amenities of the school are all awesome, convenient, and for the most part efficient, so I would suggest utilizing all of them.

Diana from Colorado Springs, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

Students who want to meet all kinds of people but still be able to find friends with a lot of things in common with themselves.

What to do for fun

Go out around Boulder, go to Denver, go up to the mountains, and pretty much anything outside. Red Rocks is super awesome for concerts. There are a lot of cool events that happen around Boulder.

Food and Dining

It's okay as far as dining halls go and there are a lot of options, but not all of them are spectacular.

Dorm Life

It all depends on what dorm you're in and how involved you get. If you go out of your way to meet people and have fun in your dorm than you'll have fun.

Academic Rigor

It really depends on what classes you take/what your major is. If you want to challenge yourself, there are plenty of opportunities for that, but if you want to take it easy, there are ways to do that too.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you visit the campus. If you feel like your home in Boulder than you know CU could be the school for you. And don't forget to do your research to make sure you can find what your looking for at CU and take advantage of all the opportunities from the beginning.

In three sentences

CU is an awesome school in a beautiful location. It has a hugely diverse student body but there are a lot of opportunities to find your niche. There are a lot of opportunities here for a lot of different students.

Josie from Las Vegas, NV

Boulder offers many services to make sure you are safe when walking around campus or going out on the town.

Greek Life

Greek life is great.

Clubs and Activities

Many clubs and activities are offered to appeal to everyone.

Great for these types of students

Great for students who love the outdoors and snow.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Norlin Quad and Farrand Field are both great places to play sports, gather with friends, and many school activities will take place around these areas.

Bang for the buck

Boulder is expensive, but it is worth every penny in every aspect.

What to do for fun

Take advantage of Boulder and hike or bike the nearby Flatirons and take advantage of the school run activities (often free). Explore Pearl Street and the Hill and simply enjoy the comapny of your friends.

Food and Dining

Like any other dining hall, the food becomes boring and bland to your taste buds, but Boulder has many other options as a break to the typical dining hall food.

Dorm Life

There are great people at Boulder who are fun to be around. RA's like to do activities to involve the students in the dorms and common areas are cleaned regularly.

Academic Rigor

Overall the academics are hard, but depending on your class schedule and previous knowledge or interest in the course, they may be much easier or much harder.

Tips for prospective students

Stay on top of your studies. Don't get lost in your newfound freedom. Professors offer a lot of their time to help you, but it is up to you to take advantage of their time.

In three sentences

CU Boulder is hands down amazing. Faculty and students are all supportive and helpful creating a great learning environment. The campus is beautiful and has a wonderful atmosphere about it which makes going to class much more enjoyable.

Go to the Hill or Denver at night. Go skiing during the day. Pearl street. Working is actually a blast.

Food and Dining

mmm alright.

Dorm Life

it was a blast. Will vill is so far though.

Academic Rigor

Can be a 1 star or a 5.... depends on your major. Some majors are extremely challenging and some are an absolute joke.

Tips for prospective students

If you don't like your dorm or roommate change ASAP. Get a job on pearl, you'll meet great people and it will be fun. Don't be lazy.

In three sentences

CU Boulder is a fun place and a great school. Some of their academic rules are horrible but overall the school is great. Socially, there are a lot of Californian influence, so you run into a large amount of fake annoying kids.

Stefania from Centennial, CO

07/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Great for outgoing students who aren't afraid to work hard and play hard!

What to do for fun

There is always something fun to do, whether it is attending the school sporting events, participating in intramural sports, or joining club sponsored events. The UMC always has something fun going on, including the bowling alley and ice skating rink.

Food and Dining

Nothing can compare to the C4C. It includes food from all over the world and it all delicious. Also the various grab and go facilities on campus are helpful for when you don't have time to sit down and eat.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is incredible. The staff is easily accessible. They provide fun activities for residents and make the transition to college much smoother.

Academic Rigor

I found my classes at CU Boulder to be challenging but not unmanageable

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to go to all of the club fairs, rent fairs, introductory events. They are helpful and fun!

In three sentences

CU provides a wealth of opportunities, clubs, student organization, and academic help to its students. Everything is easily accessible and designed to help students along their academic career. I have no complaints.

David from Lakewood, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

In my experience this college is rather safe. Not too much to worry about, just get a bike lock.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for anything you want to do and if there isn't then you can form the club yourself. There are a lot of opportunities here for every kind of student.

Great for these types of students

For students who love being outdoors, this is the school for you. There is even a residence hall that takes frequent hikes.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There's not anything too unusual that I have noticed yet, but I'm also sure there is a lot I haven't seen. The campus is too immense to explore in a few days.

Bang for the buck

The school is certainly not cheap, but it sure isn't too expensive neither. For Colorado schools it would be a bit on the high end though; more expensive than Colorado State University, but cheaper than Colorado College.

What to do for fun

There is a lot of room to ride your bike, so if that's what you're interested in then you're in luck. There's also a bowling alley, a volleyball net, a park for Frisbee, and a few other random choices for entertainment,

Food and Dining

There is a lot of variety, but the quality is only moderate. There are certain foods that are rather good, but I am sure that it would become too mundane after time.

Dorm Life

At orientation I spent a night at the dorms and in my hall it was rather nice. It wasn't too quiet and it wasn't too loud. A very good balance for the studious student and the adventurous explorer.

Academic Rigor

A lot of the classes I am enrolled in are going to be with hundreds of other students, but the teachers are great and from what I hear the work load is about as much as you want it to be. The work shouldn't be too hard as long as you put the time and dedication into it.

Tips for prospective students

Everyone comes to the school with an opinion and whether you are shy or nervous you will get the opportunity to express your ideas. Don't be afraid to branch out and be a leader. College is the time to learn and grow, listen to other peoples' opinions.

In three sentences

When I first nervously stepped foot on campus my first thoughts revolved around the idea that perhaps this college is too big for me. I soon realized the fault in my assumption because although the university is rather large it allows students to quickly find a home and safe environment. The community is so friendly and diverse that regardless of what a prospective student is looking for he/she will likely find it here.

If you wish, it can be challenging and it will always be interesting as long as you follow your heart and study a major that you want to study.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be discouraged by the big feel of the campus! It all quickly becomes an easy map in your mind and the community within it becomes one big family.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado at Boulder is an exciting and encouraging school. I have learned to trust my self here and reach for my highest goals. The natural environment that surrounds this university brings me closer to my interests.

Pablo from Longmont, CO

08/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

With emergency call kiosks every 100 yards, consistently lit pathways, and even personal campus safety officers who patrol every dorm every 2 hours and will escort from one campus location to another at night, CU is probably one of the safest campuses in the country. Not to mention the fact that Boulder has an extremely low crime rate in general.

Clubs and Activities

CU has a great selection of student clubs that host tons of activities at an extremely discounted, if not free, rate. Study abroad and Alternative Break programs are popular and constantly offered.

Great for these types of students

Students who love the outdoors, especially the snow--Colorado has the most Olympic-quality ski/snowboard slopes in the country. Also, students who aren't sure if they want a large or small school. While the school is large population-wise, Boulder feels like a small town. You will see familiar faces everyday throughout your school career, and you can find small, intimate entertainment venues. Yet, you can also experience a busy campus that is always full of fresh young faces, and if you really want big-city attractions, Denver (with a population of 1 million) is only a 1 hour and free (for students) bus ride away.

Bang for the buck

While CU's tuition may seem expensive for the fact that it is a public institution, it is very easy to double- or even triple-major, and CU offers several 5-year masters programs that ultimately allow you to get great bang for your buck.

What to do for fun

There are multiple hubs of activity and entertainment in Boulder and on campus. Mackey auditorium has hosted nationally-acclaimed bands and comedians for years in a beautiful, and acoustically perfect theater. There is a nightclub, bowling alley and pool hall, and bar right in the student center on campus. Then, you have the University Hill, a hotspot of student/youth-targeted restaurants, stores, and music venues. Last but not least, Pearl Street outdoor mall is a landmark of Boulder that hosts fine dining establishments, several microbreweries, haute-couture shopping, and city-sponsored events such as weeknight concerts during the summer.

CU Boulder has varying degrees of academic rigor depending on the school and program. It is possible to slide by easily with a C average and party, but it is also guaranteed that in the right major, a degree from CU is very highly looked upon. For example, the Physics program, and Engineering and Business schools are competitively ranked in the United States. Thus, degrees within these areas will carry more weight than, say, a Humanities or Sociology degree. Finally, nearly all of CU's graduate programs are extremely laudable.

Tips for prospective students

Do your research well before the first day of class and do not simply take the opinion of an advisor. They often want you to get through slowly so you pay more. Instead, pick up a FREE copy of a course catalog and see what kind of prerequisites are needed for certain classes; or how your major sequence is set up to make sure you don't get stuck missing a class that is only offered one semester of the year; or what courses count for two separate major requirements (giving you the possibility of double-majoring in the same amount of time). Also, most courses require a complementary recitation along with the lecture part--if you do not know what a recitation is look it up--that is often at a terrible time of day and simply makes it so you have one extra day of class without the benefit of the extra credit hour. However, some equivalent courses do not have the recitation requirement so enroll in those.

In three sentences

A truly beautiful campus rivaled only by the rigor and expectations of the curriculum and the value of a degree with the university's stamp of approval. The city of Boulder, itself, has a unique culture, style, and feel that seemingly complements the campus life and the college experience. With 30,000 undergraduate students, there are a plethora of events both on and off campus that guarantee that a student never has a dull moment.

Wonderful opportunities to meet new people who are as passionate about a particular topic as you are!

Great for these types of students

Those who are active and love doing things!

Bang for the buck

Very good opportunities - wish there were more scholarships available!

What to do for fun

Boulder is the ideal place to go to college if you enjoy doing things! There's skiing in the winter, rafting and hiking in the summer, rock climbing, football/basketball games, etc.! Literally never bored here :)

Food and Dining

Best food ever!!! So many options all over campus! Now I know why Freshmen gain weight!

Dorm Life

Love living in Andrews Hall in the Engineering Honors Program!!

Academic Rigor

Fairly challenging classes - very engaging

Tips for prospective students

Get involved in the community and make as many friends as possible. Make sure that you are engaged in classes and in activities on campus. Get to know people who are different from you.

In three sentences

Absolutely gorgeous campus and buildings. Beautiful city with a true melting pot of people and cultures. The perfect place to continue higher education.

Nicole from Broomfield, CO

CU has some policies with concealed weaponry, which I don't approve of. The board of education is trying to fight this, but the crime rate hasn't increased.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and activities here-- 100's to be exact. There's clubs for every sort of people, and clubs I didn't even know were possible. Get involved-- there's so many great people to meet!

Great for these types of students

Any type! You can be outgoing and meet the most awesome people. You can be shy, and meet the best study buddies. It's up to you, the kind of people you surround yourself with.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

My friends love the UMC. We can eat, laugh, hang out, or study there. The white noise is just perfect for studying (to me), and my friends are there to keep me company.

Bang for the buck

Tuition prices have raised... I'll deal will it because CU is a great school.

What to do for fun

Eat, hike, play outdoors, dance indoors-- you can do anything in Colorado... well except for surfing, but snow boarding, of course, is the better alternative.

Food and Dining

YUMMY! From Italian, to Asian, to a buffet of sweet baked goods or ice cream, CU has it all. Although the dining hall get's tiring, there are tons of restaurant options around.

Dorm Life

I never stayed in a dorm, but my friends who did, loved it!

Academic Rigor

Depends on the class. If you need a class for general requirements, for an easy A, CU has that. If you need classes specific to your degree, they're difficult and challenging, better preparing you for your future.

Tips for prospective students

Not that it will be hard, but make lots of friends. Upper-class men will give you the most valuable advice- of course, they've gone through it. More importantly, professors have gone through more, and don't forget, they're human too; their advice and help is gold!

In three sentences

CU boulder is rich, diverse community. The people are friendly, naturally altruistic to their fellow students. The teachers are genuinely concerned with your future, facilitating your search for your passion, enhancing it, and giving you the best opportunities.

Timothy from Lakewood, CO

When your walking on campus, you always feel safe! it doesn't matter what time in the day, from 12pm to 12am. There are always cops walking around to making sure the campus is a safe place.

Clubs and Activities

They have great clubs around the campus. They have a club for everyone, but you just have to find the one that fits you the best.

What to do for fun

The funniest thing I do is work on campus. I build concert stages, run concert lights and sounds. Other fun things to do is the intramural sports. They have all kinds of intramural sports like basketball, lacrosse, and frisbee.

Food and Dining

The food is great! There are four small dining halls that are all really good. Then there is one big dinning hall called the C4C, where it is literally an all you can eat buffet!

Dorm Life

The dorms were the best time of my life! I got to meet some of the most incredible people. The dorms create a family for you. If you ever need help there's always a willing hand to help.

Academic Rigor

The academic at this University will keeps you on your toes. The Professores will assign homework for a reason. To help you learn, not make your life horrible. Every test is always challenging, but if you study for it, it shows.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved with anything around campus, like joining clubs and sports. Don't get involved with the wrong people. Make sure the people your hanging out with are true friends not people who will betray you.

In three sentences

This University is truly amazing! With great academics, it is almost impossible to not walk out of the class room and say Wow I have learned something incredible today. With the mountains right next to campus, its great for skiing, hiking, and nature.

Stephanie from Coral Springs, FL

09/25/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Boulder itself is very active. Many people hike, bike and walk. There is also an ice rink and bowling alley on campus as well as pool tables. I haven't thought of anything that I would not be able to do here yet.

Food and Dining

There are many different options and if there is something else you would rather have, it is easy to get it.

Dorm Life

The people I live with are amazing and the people that work in the building are as well.

Academic Rigor

It depends on the classes you are taking.

Tips for prospective students

Apply for as many scholarships as you can because it is expensive to go here.

In three sentences

The campus is beautiful. The professors and students are very friendly. I would recommend this college to a lot of people.

Can be garbage, can be awesome just depends what you find important and where you live. Main campus is loud and busy, of campus is spacious and some places like sterns east can be dead most of the time.

Academic Rigor

Different classes vary in vigor.

Tips for prospective students

Get out there, do stuff. You'll find not all of your friends have time to hang out with you during your mario kart marathon.

In three sentences

A large community, may be too much for quieter more conservative students. Lots of opportunities to get involved with so many groups. However som policies are ridiculous.

Jessica from San Diego, CA

11/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

Only 10% of students at CU are apart of Greek life, but it seems like so much more! Greek life is an amazing way to get involved and meet new people, especially at a campus full of 30,000 students. When joining greek life, you have the opportunity to form a bond with people you may never have met before. Greek life allows you to get involved on campus, host and participate in exciting philanthropic events, and become apart of a family.

What to do for fun

There is plenty to do in Boulder! In the summer, the Boulder creek is tons of fun to grab an inner tube and sail down! Or the Boulder falls is quite the sight to see. There are also plenty of opportunities for concerts at the Fox Theatre, Pearl Street mall entertainers after dinner, hikes up Chautauqua, or even some of the local bars if you're 21 and up.

Food and Dining

The Sewell and Libby dorms have really good food! Their chefs are known to be the best on campus and always coming up with yummy food that always appeal to hungry students. The Farrand grab-and-go has awesome burgers and a well-stocked market for last minute grocery necessities. The Center for Community (C4C) has every type of food you could ever imagine (Italian, Mexican, American, Asia, India, Japanese, etc.) that any student has access to with a meal plan. However, if you do not have a meal plan, there is food surrounding you anywhere you go in Boulder, whether its on The Hill, Pearl Street mall, Twenty-Ninth Street mall, or even the Flat Iron Mall to grab some Chick-Fil-A! Where ever you go, you will always be satisfied with the food.

Dorm Life

The dorms are all centrally located on campus and close to all classes. Even if you end up living in Williams Village, which are the off campus dorms, the Will Vill bus is extremely helpful and convenient. The meal plan you receive when living in the dorms is very satisfying and the C4C has all you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with just a swipe of your buff card.

Academic Rigor

It is not too academically challenging, but it is a University and there is a lot required of you if you want to succeed.

Tips for prospective students

If you are an out of state resident, APPLY FOR IN STATE TUITION the second you get accepted to CU

In three sentences

CU is a perfect university full of opportunities to succeed academically, get involved in greek life or on campus organizations, and meet one on one with your professors to ensure you are understanding the material. Boulder is also a perfect college town if you enjoy hiking the mountains, planning a weekend at a skii resort, or just taking the bus down the hill to a restaurant on pearl street with some friends. Since my time here at CU, I have not met one of the 30,000 students that has something bad to say about this place.

Stacia from Littleton, CO

11/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

During your first orientation, CU Boulder tells students how to stay safe and also help others in scary situations. They tell you what to do in case of an emergency and tell you who you can talk to if you feel scared or have questions. CU Boulder also sends emails about every week with new tips and strategies on how to stay safe. Overall, the campus feels extremely safe because all students and staff are informed and know what to look for.

Greek Life

CU Boulder offers a variety of Sororities and Fraternities for students to rush. Each is dedicated to its own community service and many often hold benefits or sponsor events to raise money for their specific cause.

Clubs and Activities

CU Boulder clubs and activities tailor to almost every students interests. There are well over fifty clubs that students can join and meet new people. These clubs and activities will also look great on resumes as it shows that you were involved in your school. A lot of these clubs and activities offers ways that you can give back to your community and help other classmates. They can teach you leadership and how to work together in groups.

Great for these types of students

Athletes: A state of the art recreation center is available fully equipped with a swimming pool, work out machines, and a track. Club sports are also available which is a great way to meet new friends as well as meet new study partners. CU also has a great Integrative Physiology program. The studier: The library is open late for those who enjoy and are inspired by the surrounding books. The library also offers a coffee place where you can also get a quick snack. Help resources are also available in the student center where a student can also look into becoming a tutor. CU Boulder offers some of the best majors in the country and also is home to four Nobel Prize winners. The Socialite: The student ID card allows students to travel to Denver. This is also great for students who have an internship in the city as well. Boulder has an amazing Student Government program which has a great involvement in changes to the University. There are also numerous sororities and fraternities available to rush in and offer honorable community service opportunities. The Environmentalist: CU Boulder is located in one of the healthiest and cleanest cities in Colorado. There are many different clubs and organizations to join that help improve the environment. There are also various whole food stores throughout Boulder. CU Boulder also offers a fantastic Environmental Science majors. The Hipster: There are various concert venues where local bands come to play. There are also bookstores which offer poetry readings every Thursday. Boulder also is home to many mom and pop coffee shops that and are great places to meet new people.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Every time before a football game, Ralphie (our Buffalo mascot) runs around the perimeters of the football game. Ralphie is a real buffalo, mind you. This instills school and buff pride.

Bang for the buck

Boulder has so much to offer for students. If you are looking for a great place to study, the Norlin Library is equipped with many computers, tables, and quiet areas. The library is overflowing with books to help you with your research paper as well. All Professors have office hours which is the students way of getting help with topics they are struggling with. There are many free resources available to students that will help them achieve a good grade and a better understanding of a certain subject. Once a student receives the BuffOne card (student ID) they also receive an RTD pass which allows them to ride the bus and save on gas. The bus transports students to almost anywhere in Boulder and also transports students to Denver, where they can feel the city life. With the mountains so close, this provides students with the opportunity to exercise in a fun and cheap way instead of having to be cooped up in the Rec center or running outside in a majorly populated city that is covered in smog. CU also provides a bus that takes students to the mountains so they can ski or snowboard. Colorado offers students so much from the city night life in Denver to the beautiful snow covered mountains come ski season. CU Boulder definitely is a bang for the buck!

What to do for fun

There is a lot to do in Boulder. Students are about fifteen minutes away from the Flatirons which offers a lot of different hiking trails. Pearl Street is about a five minute bus ride away and has places to go to concerts, many different restaurants, shops, as well as unique street performers. If students don't want to get on the bus or hop in the car, they can just go to The Hill where there are different restaurants that are cheap yet still delicious. On The Hill students can also find a place where they can go to concerts for relatively cheap.

Food and Dining

CU Boulder has an amazing dining facility, that is open at hours that are convenient for students who are up all night studying. The food is delicious and offers a lot of different healthy, and versatile meals.

Dorm Life

This is an excellent way to make friends. The rooms may be small but they are perfect for students moving away from home for the first time. You can become friends with everyone in your hall really quickly and feel like you belong in just a week.

Academic Rigor

If someone is looking for an easy University to attend so they can just breeze through classes and receive A's, this is not the place for them. Each class I have taken has demanded me to think critically, analyze text, and that you have to take time on your homework, even if you think it's easy. The classes are challenging but Professors are always willing to work with you.

Tips for prospective students

Walk around the campus and, if you can, get a tour with one of the CU Student Ambassadors and they can show you the daily life of a CU students. By taking this tour you get to experience, first hand, what it will be like to walk class to class, sit in lectures, and know where the best study areas are.

In three sentences

University of Colorado Boulder offers students a variety of different clubs and organizations to join that is tailored to fit almost any students interests. The campus is gorgeous, especially since the Flatirons can be seen anywhere. Also, professors are dedicated to helping students learn as much as they can and tell them strategies to receive good grades.

Mary from Boulder, CO

11/21/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I am a woman and have walked alone at night on and off campus and have never really felt unsafe walking around. Of course there are some areas, like dark alleys at night, that should be avoided, but those are easy to identify and easily avoided.

Greek Life

GREEK LIFE IS HUGE HERE!!! If you're into greek life, you will fit in just fine here. Be warned though, it's a little different from greek life in the south, so if your mom was a pi phi in Tennessee, do not expect to have the same experience that she had in Tennessee here in Boulder.

Clubs and Activities

If you want to do an activity of any sort and want to have a bunch of people to do that activity with, there's a club for that.

Great for these types of students

CU is great for people who like big schools, being around a lot of different types of people, tend to have more liberal beliefs and politics, and who like to be outside because it's sunny 300 days a year.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Nothing worth reporting. If you really want to come here for the 420 celebrations, I would just fly in. The liberal town is not worth coming to school here for.

Bang for the buck

Some of the biggest perks of being a CU student is learning directly from the people that wrote the textbooks you're learning out of, getting a bus pass that can get you anywhere in the Denver Metro area and even up to Fort Collins included in tuition, and the mountains are just a walk away and there is outdoor activities available for any type of person.

What to do for fun

Boulder is full of stuff to do if you're outdoorsy, because it surrounded by great hiking trails, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, and basically any other outdoor thing you could want to do. Even rafting isn't too far away. Also, there is a ton of good live music that comes directly into town or into nearby Denver with is only 45 minutes away by bus.

Food and Dining

It's all highly processed, but they have a lot of options and choices for healthy and selective eating. I had to be gluten and dairy free for a month while living in the dorms and didn't have to struggle to scrape a meal together because their was so much to choose from.

Dorm Life

It really depends on how outgoing you are. I suffered in the dorms because I'm an introvert and no one really tried to reach out to me and befriend me, but a lot of my friends who are extroverts who had no trouble bouncing around the halls to say hello and hang out with people had a swell time in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

It really depends on what you're majoring in. If you're a psychology, sociology, or philosophy major or something similar, it's going to be a cake walk. However, if you're a business, microbiology, physics, or chemistry major, you better gear up and show up because these professors literally wrote the book on each of these things and you will learn a ton from them.

Tips for prospective students

Try to make as many different kinds of friends as possible. CU holds every kind of person imaginable, so their is bound to be a group of kids you fit in with somewhere on campus if you just throw yourself into classes or clubs that you're interested in, and people you get along with are bound to show up!

In three sentences

Overall, my experience at CU has been pretty standard. It's everything you'd expect from a big school - huge classes, teachers who don't know you, and a huge emphasis on Greek life. However, the city is gorgeous and the outdoor opportunities are amazing, so coming here if you consider yourself outdoorsy and want a big school feel would be a good call.

Anon from Boulder, CO

Out of state tuition is really tough, but you get what you put in. If you work hard you will learn a lot. You are your only limit.

Food and Dining

Students love to brag about the huge variety of excellent food in the caf' and the meal plan that can be purchased for the semester ahead of time.

Dorm Life

I don't live on in the dorms, but I hear nothing but good things.

Academic Rigor

Classes can be very challenging but are usually designed in such a way that if you struggle with one test or even a midterm, you can still get a good grade in the class if you work hard.

In three sentences

The curriculum and teachers are very thoughtful and have a high level of expectation from their students. Freshmen and Sophomore classes can be huge, up to 300 students, and can be difficult if you're coming in from usual class sizes of 30. There's a lot of school pep and pride, but a lot of students who don't take classes seriously and they can be distracting.

Kaitlin from Monument, CO

I love any outdoor activities I can find, and Boulder is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, running, backpacking, and the list goes on!

Food and Dining

Food for on campus students is okay, at first it all seems incredible..but after only a couple weeks you get very tired of it. Darley in WillVill (where I lived my freshman year) has super crappy food, but a great grab and go

Dorm Life

I loved the people that I lived with my freshman year, most of us are still great friends, and I even live with a couple of them.

Academic Rigor

This school is definitely challenging, but not overly so

Tips for prospective students

GET INVOLVED, they tell you this over and over..but seriously, do it! Getting involved makes this big school seem much smaller and more personal

In three sentences

CU Boulder is located in one of the many beautiful places in Colorado, and has many many different locations for hiking, biking, running, rock climbing, etc. It has a gorgeous campus that is easy to learn and get around, it is also located right near what is called the Hill, which is where many food options are and also where most greek life is located. I love this school, and am very happy with my choice to go here!

Kevin from Aurora, CO

12/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are many different places to go around campus. There is a movie theater not to far from campus, and there are many fun things to actually do on campus. It is really easy to make friends here and it isn't to hard to have fun.

Food and Dining

The dining at CU Boulder is really nice. The cafeteria is large and they have a wide variety of food. It is also really large so there is a lot of room for a lot of people.

Dorm Life

The dorms are relatively nice depending on where you live. Some dorms tend to be really old but there is a lot of renovation going on throughout the campus. There are also really nice dorms off campus.

Academic Rigor

Depending on what college you are in the academic rigor will be different. I am currently in the Engineering college and the academic rigor is challenging. I am not sure how difficult the other colleges are.

Tips for prospective students

I would suggest taking as many AP credits as possible. The more AP credits you have, the more classes you can skip and have an easier schedule. I would also recommend getting used to working in teams.

In three sentences

This university has been great so far. The engineering college here is amazing and it provides all the tools necessary for success. I believe that the University of Colorado at Boulder is an amazing University.

Alum living in Centennial, CO

I never felt unsafe at CU. There are those blue lights all over campus and the police are around too. Just be smart and don't walk by yourself at night, etc.

Greek Life

I wasn't a part of it, but it definitely looked like a lot of fun. There are many different ones, and I've heard each has its own personality. There is also a Christian sorority and fraternity too.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many things to get involved in. EVERYONE could find something they would love doing! There's events, concerts, activities on campus all the time (often free) so there is always something to do.

Great for these types of students

Those who love the outdoors...are interested in Greek life...excellent engineering program.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Hill is the hot spot closest to campus - great food and little shops. It does get really crowded on the weekends.

Bang for the buck

For in-state students, it's a fantastic deal! For out-of-state, unless you can get some scholarships/grants/etc., I feel like it's pretty pricey.

What to do for fun

Ski, snowboard, rock climb, hike, bike, run...anything and everything outdoors! Boulder also has a great dinner theatre (the university shows are great too) and Pearl Street is a great place to shop, eat, hang out, or hit the bars. Chataqua Park is amazing for hikes, runs, etc. I also loved biking and running along the Boulder Creek Path.

Food and Dining

The dorm cafeterias aren't too bad (though I only ate at them a handful of times.) The food options at the student center are great and a central location. There are also lots of great restaurants on The Hill across the street from campus. The new community/admin building has the best food on campus - many different cuisines, all delicious!

Dorm Life

I actually did not attend CU my freshman year so I cannot attest to what life is like in the dorms. From what my friends told me, most had a decent experience, a few absolutely loved it, and then of course there were some occasional horror stories.

Academic Rigor

The classes obviously vary in the amount of homework and effort required, but rigorous coursework is common at all levels, but especially the 4000-level classes.

Tips for prospective students

People in Colorado in general are more fit and health-conscious, and Boulder is even more so. This is a great place to live/work/study if you love an active and outdoor lifestyle!

In three sentences

CU-Boulder has one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen, and is located in a very fun college town. It may have a rep as a party school, but a great education from fantastic professors is available to those who actually go to class. I had a fun and rewarding experience at CU through classes, extracurriculars, and community organizations/events.

Nicole from Littleton, CO

12/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I have never felt unsafe while walking around campus at CU. The campus is very well lit and in many places there are emergency phones and buttons that you can push if you feel uncomfortable or need help. They immediately connect you to the CU Police Department and they will get someone to where you are as soon as possible. There is also a campus-run program called CU Night Ride. They operate from 8pm â?? 2am and you can call them and they will pick you up and take you where to need to go in Boulder. Its free and so convenient if you donâ??t want to walk back from somewhere when its late!

Greek Life

Greek life at CU is a fun part of campus-life for those who choose to participate. I personally have not joined a sorority but I have several friends that have and they have loved the experience. Itâ??s a fun way to meet friends and participate in fun Greek life activities!

Clubs and Activities

CU has as many clubs and activities as you would want. And the cool thing is, when you show up to meetings everybody is so friendly and welcoming. Before you know it they are some of your closest friends! There are many athletic clubs, such as the club sports program, which are a bit more competitive and also intramural sports to do for fun. There are clubs based on hobbies that range from singing and theater to hiking and water polo.

Great for these types of students

In all honesty, CU is not perfect for any one type of student; it is great for anyone. There is not one all-encompassing group that defines the student body. I see all types of people on campus that are just as happy as the next.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The oldest structure on campus, it was built in 1876, is this gorgeous building called Old Main. Because it is so beautiful, people get married there and it hosts special events. Also every October, CU Boulder hosts the Nearly Naked Mile for homeless shelters. Every runner donates 5 items of clothing and then we run a mile through campus in â??minimalâ?? clothing. It is so much fun! During football season, Ralphie, our REAL buffalo mascot, leads the football team into Folsom Field at the beginning of games and the â??Ralphie Runnersâ?? run him around the field. This also happens at the end of half-time. Then every Thursday, there is a glow in the dark bike ride through campus. They play music, decorate their bikes in neon strips, and ride everywhere through campus!

Bang for the buck

For the overall college experience and for the quality of education that I am getting at CU, I would say that the experience as a whole is justified by the cost and vice versa. Not only am I receiving a well-respected education but I am also having the time of my life. I am close to the outdoors, there are plenty of fun on-campus activities, Boulder is an amazing college town, and when I graduate I will receive a diploma that future employers will value and regard.

What to do for fun

Boulder has the most fun â??outside of schoolâ?? activities. The recreation center is massive and there are so many things to do there. There are several weight rooms, cardio rooms, swimming pools, volleyball courts, and basketball courts. I never get bored at the rec center. People come from all over the country and even the world to be in Boulder because of all of its outdoor activities. There are gorgeous hikes and great places to rock climb that are a 10 minute bus-ride off of campus. Ski resorts are very close to Boulder and nothing quite matches up to Colorado ski resorts! Pearl Street and the 29th Street Mall are fun to get some good food and get some good shopping done. Also, University Hill is a blast on the weekends! There are lots of apartment complexes up there that throw parties, lots of local places to eat, fun concert venues, and cute shops.

Food and Dining

The food at CU is amazing! There are several places on campus to go get food and they are all over campus which is good since the campus is so large. There are places called â??Grab-N-Goâ??sâ?? which are great for grabbing something quick (and delicious) between classes or when you donâ??t have time to sit down for a meal. The Center For Community is the newest dining installation at CU. The food is so good and you can get anything you are in the mood for! There is Mexican, American, Italian, Persian, a salad bar, a sushi station, and a dessert bar. Even though my friends and I are sophomores we still get a meal plan because it is so good and convenient.

Dorm Life

Dorm life for my freshman year here at CU was a great experience. I got placed in a smaller dorm in the engineering quad and I am so happy that I was able to live there. My building had about 120 people and 40 other girls lived on my floor and then 80 boys lived above and below us. It was great because I was able to get to know lots of people really well since it was a smaller dorm. I am still great friends with so many of the girls and boys from my building and am now living with two girls that were on my floor last year! There were also a lot of dorm activities that helped me get to know everybody and meet new people. I made friendships there that I am certain will last a lifetime.

Academic Rigor

I am majoring in mechanical engineering so I find my academic material quite challenging. The College of Engineering and Applied Science here at CU is nationally ranked, it is even ranked higher than School of Mines, so the coursework here is rather difficult. It is very do-able though because the professors make themselves available for office hours and my classmates and I work together on homework all the time. The engineering center has all the resources you could need to get through your classes. Itâ??s a great place to study, free tutoring is offered, there are tons of computer labs and several workshops, and itâ??s a nice location to have all the engineering activities localized.

Tips for prospective students

Always remember to balance your academic life and your social life. Both are very important in the whole college experience so be sure not to just solely focus on one or the other. Find a happy medium between the both. Also stay healthy! You are exposed to lots of new germs, late nights, and a new environment. Keep up on your vitamins, eat healthy, and exercise a few times a week.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado at Boulder fills the role of both a reputable academic environment and also a college experience unlike any other. I couldn't see myself attending any other university because of the respectable scholastic programs and the variety of fun activities on and around campus. I can rest assured that I am receiving a quality education while also capitalizing on this fun time in my life!

Lee from Littleton, CO

01/01/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

The Greek Life on campus is very large- there are many options to sororities and fraternities. Not only do they have Panhellenic Sororities, but they also have Multicultural Sororities and Fraternities.

What to do for fun

Boulder is known for its parties and exotic nightlife. There is always something to do at Boulder, and you will never get bored.

Food and Dining

There are lots of different varieties of food at the University of Colorado Boulder as well as many options of dining halls. The food at most of the dining halls are actually very appetizing.

Dorm Life

Many dorms look very neat and clean with manageable dorm space. The downsides to the dorms at the University of Colorado Boulder are that some residential halls are off campus and require riding a bus to get onto campus. Whereas those off-campus dorms have air-conditioning, however, on-campus residential halls do not.

Academic Rigor

Just like other classes at many other universities, most college-level classes here are going to be hard. However, they are all achievable through dedication, effort, and lots of study time.

Tips for prospective students

BE INVOLVED! There are endless amounts of ways you are able to make yourself at home in Boulder while expanding your resume. So take advantage of the opportunities given to you throughout the campus. Talk to your counselor, take advantage of free tutoring for first-year students, read fliers, attend meetings of clubs you are interested in, and have fun while you're at it!

In three sentences

The University of Colorado Boulder is a very inclusive university that succeeds to make everyone feel like they belong. It is a calm and friendly campus where the student body all get along and are free to do whatever they please. There are many clubs, activities, and opportunities given to the students in order to help them to be involved in not only the campus, but also the community as a whole.

Nathan from Thornton, CO

01/21/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

The clubs here are extremely welcoming, and even my work study job has been completely enjoyable. I feel like a family whenever I attend a club with friends or go to work at the library with some of the nicest and most helpful librarians I've met.

Bang for the buck

CU Boulder is expensive like any college, my first semester here I felt like I wasn't getting the education I paid for, but a remedy to this is to take courses that are higher level or advanced. I went into the college taking a lot of my prerequisite classes which were basically repeats of what I did in high school. Depending on your major though your opinion could change. As for the cost of the residencies and food the price is actually quite decent. Boulder is known as one of Colorado's most expensive cities to live in so you do get what you pay for. You can also choose the type of meal plan you want here so this allows you to make the decision that will save you the most money when it comes to food.

What to do for fun

Joining clubs or sports is essential not only does it give you a fun break from school but it will keep you motivated and help you make lasting friendships. A lot of the activities here are outdoors activities, hiking, rowing and frisbee are among the most popular and during the winter bus services arrange for free rides to the mountains if you want to try your hand at snowboarding or skiing. If you do like to stay in however the residence halls do a great job with arranging events for the students living there, a few of my favorites have been the video game tournaments and ping-pong competitions.

Food and Dining

The food and dining here is pretty good compared to other schools in Colorado. There are a lot of coffee shops next to virtually all the departments which can help those who aren't so great at waking up. A new dining hall has been built in the middle of the campus called the Center for Community that has extremely good food, but be warned if you eat there a lot the food does become boring and repetitive. There is a dining hall next to or part of each hall which makes getting food when you're hungry very easy. And the dining services offer grab and go's which are quick meals that are packaged for you so that you can travel and eat. If the food ever gets boring up here then there are also numerous restaurants nearby on what is refereed to as the hill my favorite place on there has to be Cosmo's Pizza so be sure to check that out!

Dorm Life

The dorms can be extremely nice here depending on the halls that you enter. A common misconception is that dorm life at Williams Village is horrible because it is so far away from campus, but this area actually has really spacious rooms and nearby vendors for food and household items. A few of the nicer halls are at the Kitridge complex which have recently been remodeled. Each hall however has its flaws and benefits, some may be far away but can compensate for that by being extremely comfortable. The process in which you choose your roommate has yielded some pretty good results in my experiences

Academic Rigor

If you have any college experience through AP, CP or IB courses your first year will be relatively easy. However each following semester will get more difficult so its important to keep a head start. The more prerequisite classes you can knock out your first year the more stable your academic situation will be. If you haven't had any experiences with college prep courses the most difficult part about academics is getting into the right mindset, so form study groups and try and make friends in your classes.

Tips for prospective students

Each semester at this school seems to go by extremely quickly, its' important to find something to keep you motivated and energized. For example getting involved with a club that would take weekend retreats for fun to the mountains really helped me regain my sense of sanity when there is so much to do.

In three sentences

The school is absolutely beautiful and is surrounded by the flatirons. Therefore there is a lot of outdoor activities and clubs that are available for students. Academics at this school allows incoming students to develop their responsibilities and creativity while learning.

Lindsay from Boulder, CO

Campus is very safe, I, personally haven't had or heard of any issues.

Clubs and Activities

As CU Boulder is in such a great location we are able to offer clubs such as the hiking and ski club. Additionally, we also have unusual clubs, such as the SCUBA club and Equestrian team.

Great for these types of students

CU Boulder is large enough that there is a place for everyone here.

Bang for the buck

Out of state tuition is a little pricey, but in state is totally worth it. The engineering school, however, is nationally ranked, and I would recommend out of state student to come here for it.

What to do for fun

There are so many fun things to do both on campus and off. On campus there are frequent events, that dorms or the school offers. There are also hundreds of clubs to join, as well as a great Greek system. I ride on CU's equestrian team and compete both in and out of state. Boulder is also a great place to go hiking, as we are located right at the foothill. We also are not far from, in my opinion, the best skiing in the country.

Food and Dining

The food at the C4C and Libby is pretty good, and the Farrand grab and go is delicious. All of it, however, does eventually get old. But overall, it's great.

Dorm Life

I love my dorm, Crosman Hall, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. It is so nice to be close to classes and have my own bathroom.

Academic Rigor

I am an aerospace engineering student, so I am taking challenging courses, but they are not unmanageable, and there are plenty of people here willing to help you.

Tips for prospective students

For anyone that wants to study engineering, the best place to live is in the engineering quadrangle, particularly Crosman Hall. Otherwise any of the other dorms are good. Also, take a tour of the campus and see all the other fun things there are to do in Boulder, CO.

In three sentences

This university is outstanding both academically and socially. I have had no problem getting the help I need for my classes from my professors. There are always events to attend and this school makes it easy to meet new people.

Harrison from Boulder, CO

02/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

With being known as a party school, CU Boulder is a very secure school. I see police on patrol every day multiple times a day as well as plenty of cameras and door locks and there are security measures everywhere. Pretty much the only time you will be the victim of a crime is if you don't have a lock for your bike.

Greek Life

I wouldn't know. The people I've met in fraternities and sororities seem to love it.

Clubs and Activities

The cycling team is amazing, it's super inclusive, very social, and extremely fast. There's always a club meeting somewhere and doing something here. Extracurricular activities are plentiful.

Great for these types of students

Students that can handle rigorous classes, anyone who enjoys a progressive youthful and energetic city that is strongly nature-oriented.

Bang for the buck

I love CU with all my heart, but like a lot of state colleges in Colorado these days, it's really freaking expensive.

What to do for fun

Hiking, cycling, enjoying the nearby mountains with their views and fresh air and general majesty, exploring the city, walking around the shops on the hill during the day, shopping on 29th street (if you can afford it), looking at the cool stores on pearl street and enjoying the free entertainment there, music, both listening and playing, etc, etc.

Food and Dining

The options for dining are vast at CU Boulder. The main dining hall has plenty of options every day as well as having the option to get food at food pick-up places scattered about campus. There are also other dining halls in other buildings. I think CU's food options are the best a school could build. That being said, I'm not going to renew my meal plan next year because it's not cheap and even though there's lots of variety, the food does get repetitive.

Dorm Life

Dorms are good. I've found it kind of difficult to have a roommate in such a small room, but it's fun to be immersed in a social pool of people like myself. Though they are not very big, CU's dorms were larger than my expectation. Also room size can vary depending on what part of campus you're on.

Academic Rigor

The classes here are tough! I'm in the engineering program here and boy, my classes are a LOT of work. Even my classes that aren't part of my engineering major are tough. For instance, my first semester I took an introductory nutrition class and I think it may have been just as hard as my Calculus for engineers class or my calc based Physics class. You WILL have to devote a significant amount of your time to studying.

Tips for prospective students

So it's no lie CU's rated as the number 1 party school, which may make you want to steer clear of it. I learned though, that partying is up to YOUR discretion. You have the option to go and party and make poor decisions, but at the same time you also have the option to study and have even more fun quiet nights with your friends in the dorms/apartments. Not everyone that goes here HAS to party, and I think most people don't on any regular basis.

In three sentences

CU Boulder is the perfect school for me, I would give it a 5/5. The city's full of awesome shops and parks and places to go, and students and boulderites are generally interested in staying active and healthy. The nature that's just about literally in my back yard is beautiful and easily accessible.

Kalie from Calhan, CO

I feel so safe here. I am not afraid to walk back to my dorm by myself at night after a late meeting, and that makes me feel so good and so safe.

Clubs and Activities

There are SO many opportunities here! You can always, and easily, find something to get involved in.

Great for these types of students

Anybody, really. There's a crowd for every type of person and everybody is so accepting of who you are, you don't have t worry about trying to fit in with anyone.

Bang for the buck

You absolutely get your money's worth.

What to do for fun

There are so many things to do for fun in Boulder it is overwhelming at times. You can always go hiking, drive around and see the beautiful mountains, go bowling, catch a movie, go shopping or hit the hill with some friends and have a good time!

Tips for prospective students

Stay on top of your homework and don't fall behind. Keep up with your studies, go to class, pay attention, take good notes, and get involved!

In three sentences

Boulder is a beautiful city and the school is gorgeous. There are so many opportunities for students here it is unbelievable. The staff is wonderful and the community is so friendly.

Emily from Patterson, CA

The campus is very safe. Not too much crime happens around because the police are always patrolling and making sure it is a safe environment.

Greek Life

Greek life is very big here! There are always parties in the community. Not only does everyone party, but the Greek community is very focused on philanthropy and helping the community. No matter what there is a place for everyone in the Greek community.

Clubs and Activities

There are many major oriented clubs, and places for people to meet others with the same likes and dislikes.

Great for these types of students

Active people who love spending time outside and people who party hardy!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Flatirons are seen from any place in Boulder and are famous for being climbed.

What to do for fun

There are endless things to do for fun around here. Hiking is a weekly occurrence for everyone here. There's good shopping, especially on the famous Pearl Street. And during the winter the skiing and snowboarding is amazing and relatively close. You will NEVER get bored here!

Food and Dining

The food is very good. There are four dining halls as well as grab 'n' go's where you can really quickly just grab food for a meal swipe. The C4C is the main dining hall where you can get all different types of food from Italian to Kosher. Along with the dining halls which you use meal swipes at, there are also food places where you can use money such as Subway, Jamba Juice, and Dominos.

Dorm Life

The dorms are very fun! You will meet people from so many different places and make your best friends. The only downfall is there isn't enough on campus housing for all freshman, but there is housing off campus in Williams Village. If you don't commit fast enough the on camps dorms fill up and you will be farther away from campus. You have to take a bus to campus every day and they aren't very reliable late at night and on the weekends. The upside is there are a lot of people in the off campus dorms that you become very close with.

Academic Rigor

The teachers expect a lot from their students. Clicker questions in class are how they make sure you go to class and pay attention, as well as discussions to make you class smaller and more focused on what you need help with. They make it a more comfortable environment for you to ask questions and get help. The teachers all really want you to succeed, but make sure you ask around for the good teachers and research the best teachers. Sometimes there are teachers that expect too much from you.

Tips for prospective students

Tour the school just so you can feel the vibes here. Some people don't like how laid back it is here. Also get opinions from other people on how they feel their major is going. Some schools don't keep you on track with your major, but the business school here very on top of helping you graduate in four years. Especially if you are part of one of the many RAPs (residential academic programs). They really help to make your classes smaller and focus more closely on helping you succeed.

In three sentences

The teachers are always willing to help you and provide extra resources to make sure you succeed. The school has a very good reputation and has many different ways to make connections for jobs and internships in the future. The atmosphere is very comfortable and laid back, there is never nothing to do and you will always feel at home.

Professors don't give you a ton of attention and don't care about their students as much. I mean you would expect that from a 200+ people lecture hall but at least they can be there to teach and not to research.

In three sentences

It is hard to adjust to a huge university at first but if you are looking at ANY colorado instate option, this is the place to go. The parties are fantastic, the people are nice, the classes are just huge and hard to get used to, and the professors are here to do research rather than teach.

Jillynne from Longmont, CO

02/27/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are a variety of clubs, sports, and activities available right on campus, and the mountains are only five minutes away for various other activities, such as camping, skiing, climbing, hiking, etc! A wonderful place to explore.

Food and Dining

Great choices and meal plans.

Academic Rigor

If you study, complete assignments, and participate in every class, your grade will reflect that effort.

Tips for prospective students

Read any and all literature about the University, follow instructions closely, study hard and always be prepared. Many classes are discussion and participation oriented, so be prepared to contribute!

In three sentences

CU at Boulder is a great place to get an education, with the beautiful Rocky Mountains only minutes away for camping, climbing, hiking, skiing. CU professors and instructors encourage analytical and critical thinking and expression--you don't necessarily have to agree with their position, you just have to be able to support your argument. CU offers clubs, student government, and support groups for a wide variety of issues and subjects.

Kirstin from Kent, WA

03/05/2013

Reviewer is A past student here.

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What to do for fun

There are so many things to do for fun in Boulder. Pearl street has shopping and restaurants. Hiking and rock climbing are a must! Skiing and Snowboarding can be found with only a short drive (find friends that have a car). Campus golf (golf clubs and tennis balls) is a blast and it's free. There is a bowling alley on campus and they often have free showings of movies before they reach the movie theatre (say what?!). College is awesome, and the University of Colorado at Boulder has plenty of fun things to do.

Food and Dining

The BRAND NEW C4C, Center for Community, is a buffet style dining facility. They have different stations like: Italian, Mexican, The Grill, Chef's Station, Persian, Dessert, and they even serve New York Steaks! You are bound to find what you need or want to eat here. Plus they have a salad bar and cool places to eat with your friends!

Dorm Life

SO FUN! No matter which dorm you are in, you will have a blast!! They are renovating dorms like crazy and it is very likely you may get a beautiful dorm room!

Academic Rigor

The University of Colorado is what you make it. If you want to get A's you will have to work for it. If you want to take harder classes, you can do that. If you want the easier route, you can do that too. Certain majors are harder than others, but if you work hard, Colorado can be a very satisfying and encouraging place to be.

Tips for prospective students

Get to know your professors and work hard. School is hard, but it is worth the effort. Enjoy football games, hiking the Flatirons, local restaurants, sororities and fraternities and so many other wonderful activities Colorado has to offer. The University is in a perfect location, and it is a wonderful, gorgeous campus.

In three sentences

The students here work hard and play hard. It provides a wealth of opportunities and clubs to get involved on campus or to meet other people. The University of Colorado at Boulder, being a research school, has great professors and plenty of academic opportunities as well.

Ethyn from Alamosa, CO

So far I have not had any problems on campus I do see safety officers walking or riding around the campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Really proud of ther Buffs.

What to do for fun

I go to games, hang out with friends and walk the local malls. Most of the time as an engineering student I concentrate on my studies.

Food and Dining

Somethimes I just get tired of eating the same everyday,, but, it is a good dinning area.l

Dorm Life

I like the dorm life met freinds and study groups. Live the activities the RAS have for us.

Academic Rigor

Enginneering study in hard and lots of study.

Tips for prospective students

Reseach the school you want to attend. Visit the campus and the dorms. Talk to students who have graduated or attend on their opinion to the school.. Visit the classes expecially speak to professors and students in what you want to study.

In three sentences

I find the campus easy to find classes. The students in my dorm are nice and like to have activities to get us all involved. I know of a friend who recieved her Doctorate Degree and has positive statements about CU Boulder.

Melissa from Boulder, CO

03/28/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

CU is a relatively safe campus and offers services such as Night Ride, a free taxi for students, as well as a free bus service that runs late. Violent attacks in Boulder are very rare, however, rapes and muggings occur often. Boulder is a safe town for the most part for those who use caution, but it is not wise to wander around alone at night. Concealed carry is also legal, although gun violence is very rare as well.

Clubs and Activities

CU has a wide variety of clubs, including the Alpine and Hiking clubs which hold several trips throughout the year and rent climbing/camping equipment for a low cost. There are also clubs for entertainment lovers, feminists, gays and transsexuals, dancers, and more.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Halloween, St. Patrickâ??s Day, and 4/20 are popular events in Boulder. Every Halloween, students can participate in the Nearly Naked Mile and run downtown in their underwear or costumes. St. Patrickâ??s Day is known for parties on The Hill, Boulderâ??s college and Greek neighborhood, with parties in excess of 1000 people and couches burning in the streets. (Donâ??t worry â?? violence is pretty rare.) 4/20 is one of the most popular yet controversial events, with large gatherings of students on campus to smoke marijuana. However, CU has recently banned smoking on campus and took measures to prevent the tradition last year. Marijuana is now legal to possess in Colorado, although it is still against the Federal Law. It is legal to possess in Boulder, and illegal to smoke in public, although many Boulder police donâ??t seem to mind.

Bang for the buck

CU is relatively expensive, with tuition comparable to UC Berkeley and other top schools with arguably better education. It is especially expensive for out-of-state students, however, in state tuition is easy to petition for. Many students drop out or transfer due to the cost of tuition along with the high cost of living in Boulder, with the average rent being between $700-900 per person, per month. The positives are a beautiful campus and a culturally diverse city. The price can be more than worth it for those who can get the most from their experiences, and while it is expensive, it is not impossible to pay for.

What to do for fun

For the outdoor lovers, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, creek tubing, and kayaking are all in close range. The Rocky Mountain National Park is 45 minutes away, and skiing is as close as 30 minutes away. Options for skiers and boarders are great with easy bus access and many resorts in Colorado for all levels. For the spiritual/culture seekers, meditation, yoga, and street performing are popular in Boulder. The night life is enough to entertain, but a 45 minute trip to Denver offers decent options, and all students also get an annual bus pass. The Celestial Tea Factory, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Chautauqua Park are all must seeâ??s.

Food and Dining

The largest dining hall on campus is the C4C, with an extensive variety including Italian, American, Asian, and Persian, along with a sushi bar and full salad/desert bar. There is also an all organic grab'n'go with vegan friendly options and locally produced foods. The quality of food in the dorm dining halls is questionable, however. There is also plenty of great dining around Boulder, with locally owned restaurants, especially for sushi, Thai, Middle Eastern, and breakfast lovers. Boulder also has several local breweries, tea shops, and a farmers market.

Dorm Life

Even for transfer students, dorm life at CU can be a lot of fun and a good opportunity to meet other students. Most students are very friendly and open to new experiences, and many keep their doors open. The dorms are typically safe, although common sense should always be used. It can also be difficult finding a quiet place to study, as most dorm residents are freshmen who enjoy partying. However, the age range is fairly broad, with residents typically being 18-25.

Academic Rigor

The core requirements for graduation in Arts & Sciences are a little heavy, with a minimum of 5 science courses, including a lab. Foreign language proficiency and advanced writing are also part of the core. The average courses are challenging, but they are not overly difficult, either. Academic rigor also depends on the department. While astronomy and math are strong and challenging, some departments such as English and art are relatively weak.

Tips for prospective students

While CU has a reputation of being a party school, the accuracy of that reputation has decreased in recent years. However, because of this reputation, many schools do not accept transfer credits from CU, so keep that in mind if transferring is a possibility for you. Also keep in mind that the courses at CU are challenging, though mostly at intro levels, so new students should put studying ahead of partying or you may end up on academic probation.

In three sentences

CU is one of the top schools you can go to for sciences, particularly astronomy and physics with 4 Nobel Laureates, and the only public school to receive funding from NASA. With a beautiful campus at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, CU has a lively atmosphere with people from many different social backgrounds.

Emma from Centennial, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

They are security guards, security, and police everywhere, so not only is it safe, there is always someone to ask if you need help getting around.

Clubs and Activities

There are different programs in each of the dorms to get people involved in whatever activities interest them.

Great for these types of students

Science and arts students who love to be outdoors an active whenever possible.

What to do for fun

Go for a run! Go for a bike ride! Round up some people for a frisbee game. Go to a football game.

Food and Dining

The food is good! Each dining hall has a variety, and the C4C is definitely the best... but keep in mind it's still a dining hall. You will get tired of it every once in a while!

Dorm Life

It's a new change and you will be living with a variety of different people. Keep in mind that that's the case. Be open to the new environment, but don't stop being you either. Dorms can be a great experience, but they can be a pain as well. Go into dorm life positively and see where it takes you. ;)

Academic Rigor

Boulder expects success, and for that, classes are challenging... For me it's the best part of the school.

Tips for prospective students

1. You must visit campus! 2. Join an activity or a club! 3. Make friends

In three sentences

This university provides such a wide variety of activities to participate in that it is impossible to not enjoy the time your in Boulder and meet new people while you do so. However, you must keep in mind that there are A LOT of people here. It can be overwhelming at times, so it's important to connect with people when you can! Join a club or find a new activity... It starts the ball rolling on the networking skills that everyone talks about.

Boulder, Denver, and Colorado for that matter offers too much to name in this small little white box.

Tips for prospective students

The best talent is bringing out the talent in others, do that, and success will find you.

In three sentences

CU Boulder is a world class university. The campus is safe, beautiful, and the students/faculty are outstanding. The academic environment is competitive yet encouraging. You can reach your dreams here! The world is yours old sport.

There are many clubs at University of Colorado at Boulder. Some that I personally took advantage of was the hiking club, ski team, and International students club.

Great for these types of students

Those that like to work hard, play hard. Those that enjoy the outdoors, science and research. Boulder is also a health conscious environment where lots of people engage in physical activity and eat healthy food.

Bang for the buck

Cosmo's Pizza! You can get a huge slice of pizza for approx 2 dollars it is so tasty and a late night favorite for Boulderites.

What to do for fun

I could right pages upon pages of things you can do for fun in and around Boulder. First of all, most people living in Boulder enjoy being outside and I would definitely say that the University get a rep for being more 'outdoorsy'. Of course, you have all different scenes at the college, but this one is the most prominent. You can snowboard/ski, back country ski, mountaineer, rock climb, hike, enjoy the Boulder Creek in the summer, mountain bike, etc. the list goes on and on with all sorts of outdoor activities since the weather, while it may be a bit chilly at times, is normally beautiful.

Food and Dining

See above.

Dorm Life

I unfortunately did not have my dorm experience at University of Colorado at Boulder but everyone tells me the food is good and you meet a lot of people who you will probably be friends with for all four years (or more).

Academic Rigor

Depends on the major and the effort you put into your education. I started out as an Integrative Physiology major and switched to Neuroscience. I felt intensely challenged by both these studies, but you have enough academic and social support to make it work if you put forth the effort.

Tips for prospective students

Don't get carried too far by the party scene. While University of Colorado at Boulder is fun, and you should be enjoying yourself, don't lose sight of why you are really there. Also, the university offers a lot of research opportunities, take advantage of them! You can get paid well, have a flexible schedule as well as impressive and competitive work experience.

In three sentences

Boulder in general has a work hard party hard mentality. There are many fun and healthy activities to do in and around and Boulder. You will feel challenged and supported by both your professors and peers.

Courtney from Delta, CO

I have never felt unsafe on campus. They provide a lot of resources to ensure everyones safety at all times.

Bang for the buck

Although CU Boulder may be a bit pricey, you definitely get your money's worth in not only the education you receive, but the experiences you have.

What to do for fun

There is something for everyone. Hiking is phenomenal in Boulder. You are also not far away from many great ski and snowboard areas. If you are not in to the outdoors, you can always shop or see a movie in Boulder too.

Food and Dining

They offer many options at CU Boulder, and a lot of healthy options too. They make it a lot easier to keep off that freshmen 15.

Dorm Life

I met people who I will be friends with for the rest of my life in the dorms. They are great about pairing you up with similar people, and the dorms are in great condition.

Academic Rigor

The CU Boulder School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is a tough and rigorous school, but it will all pay off once graduation comes.

Tips for prospective students

CU Boulder is an amazing school to attend if you not only want to receive a top ranked education, but also want to experience some of the joys of life.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado at Boulder is the perfect school. It offers an amazing environment, top of the line professors, and a diverse set of degrees to pursue. The campus s beautiful, and the people there are amazing.

Sarah from Boulder, CO

06/16/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are always cops on campus who make sure things stay safe. There are also multiple Emergency phone located around campus. All of the dorm buildings require the use of a BuffOne card with the appropriate code (which each resident has).

Greek Life

Greek life here is pretty crazy! Lots of partying, but also volunteering and school spirit.

Clubs and Activities

SOOOOOOO many! There is just about a club for anything you could want to join! Sports, nature, food, politics, education, science, math, dancing, movies...

Great for these types of students

CU is great for athletic students/ health conscious students. It is also a great place for creative students who want their voice to be heard.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Go to the terrace on top of the UMC for some quiet time and great sight!

Bang for the buck

All college is expensive everywhere, however, CU is so beautiful. It is a really safe campus as well as a safe town. There are many many opportunities for internships and jobs here as well. Most of the professors are extremely good teachers and the community is great.

What to do for fun

HIKING! I love hiking but there are always events going on around campus. I joined the tango club, which was amazing and I met so many people through that. Ultimate frisbee is also a big thing here and there are always people playing sports on Farrand Field. Many of the rock climbing gyms are also close by.

Food and Dining

If you know where to eat, you can definitely get some great food (surprisingly). Libby Hall has the best breakfasts hands down, and Sewall has great dinners. The Farrand Grab-N-Go has the best burgers on campus and the C4C just has a mix of everything.

Dorm Life

The dorms are great for meeting people and they prepare you for what the rest of your college living situation will be similar to with roommates. Living on campus is extremely nice because you don't have to carry your books everywhere. The dorms are extremely social. The only downs are that the rooms are pretty small and they can be kind of noisy.

Academic Rigor

Depending on your major, the challenge of the school is different. I am a science major in the MCDB (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology) department and all of my class are very challenging!

Tips for prospective students

Talk to students that go here to find out what activities you can get involved in. Joining clubs is probably the most beneficial thing you can do at this school other than study. You meet all kinds of great people as well as have fun around campus and around Boulder. You also can make a difference in many of the clubs! I would highly recommend getting involved in clubs!

In three sentences

CU is a beautiful school filled with intelligence and creativity. I could not ask for better whether, which drastically changes daily. Hiking trail and mountains are a 5 minute drive from campus and Boulder is great city.

Courtney from Littleton, CO

07/23/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus has a great alert system that doesn't require you to have a smart phone, you sign up online to receive texts and the campus sends you alerts when something is happening on campus (e.g. campus closer due to snow). The staff at the university take safety very seriously they even offer a night ride program for students who aren't able to take the bus back to their house, or the dorm after a late night on campus or a late night on the hill.

Great for these types of students

Who aren't afraid of expressing themselves and students who enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves.

What to do for fun

You can hit up a yoga class, hike up the flatirons, eat fro-yo and hang with your friends, you can shop, you can enjoy school hosted events like games, you can participate in human vs. zombies games, you could join frats or sororities, or you could join a club at school.

Food and Dining

The dining on main campus is amazing, you have a variety of food options. Darley Commons was a bit different, the food was ok, but your best bet would be to eat at the grab and go if you live in Williams Village.

Dorm Life

I lived in the Williams Village complex, it was nice to be on campus property, but not to be on campus every second of every day. I enjoyed the sense of community everyone in Williams Village had for one another.

Academic Rigor

I transferred to CU as a college sophomore, I found that I was pushed way more than I had been previously pushed, the workload can be a lot if you aren't ready for it. If you are willing to challenge yourself and you stay on top of your homework you will do just fine.

Tips for prospective students

Don't overload yourself with too many classes first semester, give yourself a chance to adjust to the new life you will be creating for yourself at CU!

In three sentences

CU is wonderful, and I have found my new academic home and my physical home in this cozy town and I wouldn't change anything about my experience.

Luke from Pinetop, AZ

07/27/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

CU has at least one, if not more than one, club for every activity imaginable. Everything from running to acapella to debate, Boulder has it all. My personal favorite club is the Program Council, a club dedicated to providing excellent concerts and entertainment for the campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

CU, though their football team is nothing to glorify, has an awesome tradition of running Ralphie the buffalo around the stadium before each game - the greatest football tradition in the nation, in my opninion.

What to do for fun

Boulder is a youthful area with a wide range of activities. Virtually any outdoor activity you can think of is readily available to do, including skiing, hiking, cycling, fishing, and longboarding. Beyond the outdoors, Boulder also hosts an incredible music scene every night of the week across all genres.

Food and Dining

There is a wide variety of eateries across the campus, each which hosts a superb selection of meals. The dining halls keep a healthy variety and rarely disappoint.

Dorm Life

The dorms are beautifully built with stone and fostered with years of personality. Each dorm has its own style and there are even specified dorms for honors students, engineers, and LGBT that suit certain preferences if you like. The dorms host a plethora of activities throughout the year and some even provide their own classes, which is a great way to learn something new and meet people within your living community.

Academic Rigor

As an Engineering student, the academics are expected to take up a lot of time. There are great options of classes to take, and they are taught by generally excellent faculty.

Tips for prospective students

Because of the wide variety of opportunity in Boulder, I would recommend getting involved as soon as possible. There are clubs for everything you can think of which is a great way to enjoy yourself, expand your interests, and meet new people.

In three sentences

Boulder is a great place to be, especially at such a unique time in life. CU has excellent academic opportunities, a wide variety of clubs, and activities galore. Beyond the school, Boulder is surrounded by some of the best skiing, hiking, climbing, and outdoor activity in the country.

The University of Colorado is a great university and I'm blessed to be given the opportunity to attend college at such a great institution. With this being said CU overall isn't very diverse but it is slowly but surly integrating students of low-income into the system.

Seth from Superior, CO

The campus is safe. In the middle of Boulder everything is very safe. Sometimes things go a little awry, but that is what happens every where.

Greek Life

The greek life is good. There is rushing and stuff for those who are wanting a place to fit in for some money. They have good parties.

Great for these types of students

Engineering students will enjoy this college. The engineering college is great and the teachers are amazing. I also know that anyone who is open and friendly will enjoy themselves.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

420 every year is somewhat crazy, but the campus is cracking down on that. It used to be a big tradition for people to fill Ferand Field on 420, but that is changing. That was a pretty big tradition.

Bang for the buck

Awesome for in state residents. It is a little more pricy for out of state, but it is always like that. I think it is worth it.

What to do for fun

The hill is the main place to go out looking for a party. Also, there is a bowling and pool hall on campus, which can be very fun. CU hosts concerts sometimes too. I saw Macklemore last year and it was fun.

Food and Dining

The food and dining are very good. There are some dishes that don't look quite like food, but overall it is superb. Especially at the C4C, it is the main dinning hall, the food is amazing and there are lots of choices.

Dorm Life

12,000 dollars a year, one roommate, and life in a small closet space is not what I call a nice dorm experience. The culture is very good and the location i great, but the dorm rooms are sucky. Usually, dorm rooms are always like this so.... it is what it is.

Academic Rigor

I am in the engineering school. It is fairly difficult, but if you study frequently then it is not impossible. The other schools are difficult too.

Tips for prospective students

Partying is not everything here. Even though it was rated high on the best party schools list, the university has much more to offer than hang overs and hickies. Spend your time wisely by balancing your schedule.

Jessica from Boulder, CO

08/26/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

Greek Life here is extremely overrated. It is right for some people but it is expensive and many say not worth the time, effort, or money. It literally is like a part time job that costs you thousands. Some people really enjoy it though. Don't think you have to be in a fraternity or sorority to be cool or liked though.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Halloween and St Patrick's day are out of control. We party every weekend but CU is especially big on holidays. The CU vs CSU football game is also a huge rivalry game.

Bang for the buck

In state tuition is definitely worth it. CU Boulder is one of the top universities in Colorado, recognized around the world. It really depends on your degree if CU is the right school for you.

What to do for fun

There are plenty of activities to participate in at CU Boulder. Although it may seem like everyone parties this is not the case. There something for just about everyone from outdoor activities to intramural sports.But if you do enjoy partying this is one of the top party schools. Just remember you came here to graduate with a degree, not get kicked out.

Food and Dining

Sewall Hall has the best food but is harder to find. Overall the food is very good and has an amazing selection at the main dining hall, the C4C. There is really nothing better than having a meal plan as a freshman. You don't have to cook or clean and its good food.

Dorm Life

The dorms can be very overwhelming at first but also a great opportunity to meet people. This is a part of the reason why it can be hard to stay focused on school. It is near impossible to find peace and quite living with 30 people on a floor which is why the library is one of your most important resources as a freshman. It is also near impossible to not get in trouble if you are drinking in the dorms. Stay quiet and don't be obviously drunk, you will get caught. Most importantly don't live in the will ville dorms (off campus), unless you enjoy walking an extra 20 minutes to class.

Academic Rigor

This is not an easy school to attend and do well. Not specifically because the classes are the hardest out of all colleges but because socializing can easily get in the way of homework and class. If you can prioritize class over partying you will do well. At the same time you have to realize you have to pick your classes wisely and do the work. Most teachers understand your paying a lot to attend CU and want you to get your moneys worth. This is their excuse to give you extra homework.

Tips for prospective students

My main advice is to choose Boulder for educational purposes. If you choose it as a party school there is no doubt that you will be too caught up in the party scene to get what you need from your degree to succeed, let alone pass classes. It is a large school with plenty of students but sometimes it is easy to feel alone in the crowd. Join clubs and you are bound to find a group of people you love, plus it looks good on your resume.

In three sentences

An amazing school in a beautiful location with beautiful people. There is the opportunity to succeed beyond expectations, but also the possibility to fail if you don't keep your priorities straight. Overall balance is key to making Boulder the best four years of your life

Jonathan from Denver, CO

08/27/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

The University of Colorado is one of the best colleges to attend if you like to be active. The have their own recanter with a its typical weight rooms and a rock climbing wall; but even better than the rock climbing wall are the actual Flatirons made for rock climbing. Theres clubs for everything, hiking, jogging, biking and for those of us who are not that in to being active, theres many acapella groups and much more. Boulder is also a very popular college town to visit, it has Pearl street where you can dine and watch street performers.

Food and Dining

The food is the best food I've ever had in any sort of education facility. They have a BUFFET! how great is that. Anything from Italian, Hispanic, Asian, to a typical Grill to authentic Persian food and a Sushi bar. The food will definitely be one of the best memories from college.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is amazing! its the best way to make a best friend for the next four years and it helps you adapt to the college life. I was able to learn more about what I liked and what I did not. And it also helped me manage my time, having to be responsible.

Academic Rigor

The University of Colorado at Boulder is most definetly one of the most challenging programs I've experienced ,as well as my peers. But even though it may come as a challenge to us, that what builds us to be great people to enter the workforce. Its a development of the mind and of time managment.

Tips for prospective students

I would recommend that your try you hardest while your in high school, know that you hard work now will pay off later! and when you apply, be yourself, write your heart out on the essay and let them in on whats most diverse about you. and make sure you apply on time, know your deadlines!

In three sentences

The University of Colorado has been by far the best experience for the past two years. I am local and attended high school in Boulder. So I would ride the bus to school passing by the beautiful campus day in and day out, praying that one day I may be a student there. The University of Colorado at Boulder not only has a beautiful campus next to the Flatiron mountains but an excellent academic program program in Psychology. -Jonathan Sosa

Omar from Thornton, CO

I recommend not walking long distances by yourself. There are dangerous people here as anywhere else. keep some pepper spray with you!

Greek Life

They are definitely full of spirit and are pretty friendly.

Clubs and Activities

There is a long list of different activities and organizations with the possibility to add your own. Personally, I am joining soccer and might try my hand at the student government org.

Great for these types of students

If you like the great outdoors, being green, or even enjoy having a great time with your best friends, this place has it all!

Bang for the buck

It is a great school with a passible price tag. It is MUCH cheaper than DU which is where I was going to go. If you set your mind to it and try hard, Boulder will help you the rest of the way!

What to do for fun

You are in Boulder, what isn't there to do for fun! Hiking, visiting the rec center, visiting a friend, and anything else your young souls desire!

Food and Dining

The C4C is amazing! From chinese to arab to burgers, the variety never stops!

Dorm Life

If you want some peace and quite, it is possible, if you want to have fun, also possible!

Academic Rigor

It gets confusing at first but every school needs some getting used to, right?

Tips for prospective students

DON'T BUY YOUR TEXTBOOKS AT THE BOOKSTORE. This should be a last resort! I bought and rented most of my things at chegg.com and amazon.com and saved about 500 dollars! only buy there if it is absolutely necessary!

In three sentences

I LOVE THIS PLACE. After going to school, i go work-out, hang out with friends, and study. Just make sure to make school your #1 Priority!

Bea

Things happen in any college campus. Boulder sends emails and texts to let students know what's going on and how they can stay protected.

Greek Life

Seems like fun. They mostly seem like nice people.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for just about anything you can think of.

Great for these types of students

Students who are accepting of others, and students who want to be academically challenged.

What to do for fun

Go to improv shows, The Hill is a fun place to visit, Pearl St. is a really fun place to shop and hang out. There's bowling, pool, and fun things in the UMC. The Rec Center is getting renovated and it looks like it's going to be REALLY nice.

Food and Dining

SO MANY PLACES TO EAT!! You have healthy choices and desserts if you like. But there's places to eat all around campus.

Dorm Life

Most don't have AC but some do. The dorms are nice but hot. Except for like 2 areas.

Academic Rigor

Your work is checked and the classes you take involve doing a lot of work! You have to put in effort to get a good grade.

Tips for prospective students

Feel free to just talk to random people. Nine times out of ten they'll be really nice and helpful. Also, this is a way to make friends! If you need help ASK! Go to office hours, talk to your RA's or TA's even the teachers! They are all extremely willing to help!

In three sentences

It is a beautiful school with so many great opportunities. Teachers are really willing to help you and so are students. Students here are not afraid to be themselves.

Do your work and it will pay off. Don't come here unless you are a fairly social creature. Have tons of money or very good grants loans and every other penny you can find.

In three sentences

CU Boulder has amazing facilities for people to use no matter what major. The faculty is also held to a high standard. The only problem I have is that 98% of the student population has a party problem.

Connor from Fort Collins, CO

09/13/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Due to the warm and inviting weather of Colorado, I have found that the best way to have fun is to go outside and join a Frisbee game on Farrand Field or maybe a volleyball or soccer game near the Kittredge Fields. Or if you don't feel like playing sports yourself I have greatly enjoyed going to all the varsity sports that CU supports like football, soccer, and volleyball.

Food and Dining

The food and dining services at CU Boulder go above and beyond to provide students with the very best. Offering a variety of choices and multiple dining facilities it is hard to get bored with the food selection. Each dining hall is well maintained and I've yet to hear a complaint about the food.

Dorm Life

While quite the change from home life, dorm life in Boulder is excellent. The room and community style bathrooms were very clean upon first moving in and have been maintained that way to a high degree. The RA's are there to help with any problems that may arise and everything that I could need is present!

Academic Rigor

I absolutely love my classes and the merit of all my professors is staggering. While I have not found the academic rigor necessarily harder than high school, I have found much more freedom to get what I want out of the class.

Tips for prospective students

My best tip for prospective students is to really think about how you can get involved on campus! Joining various clubs and organizations is a great way to meet new friends as well get your name out there in the community for any future opportunities that may present themselves to you.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado Boulder has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country and I feel very privileged to bike in the shadows of the Flat Irons everyday when going to class. Boulder has a strong sense of community and at every point in my college experience so far I feel that I have been welcome. I love my classes and my classmates and I can't wait to see what else Boulder has to offer me.

The C4C (Center for Community) is a very nice place to eat. It is better than most of restaurants. But other dining centers are just fine.

Dorm Life

One of the big issues about the dorm is that most of rooms do not have bothroom. And the public bothrooms/restrooms are not very clean. Also the beds have very weird height (40 inch).

Academic Rigor

Most of classes are fine. But I do fine that a few classes are boring. Also some classes are oversized.

Tips for prospective students

OK, CU has a very lovely campus. Personally, the Williams Village which is basicly a student neighborbood is the best part of the whole capmus. When you choose the dorm, highly recommend to choose any dorms in Williams Village. Also, DO NOT LOFT your beds. Because if you do it, your face will touch the ceiling when you get up.

It varies between classes off course, but it is as simple as, if you put an effort and do what the teachers ask you to do, you will get an A in your class.

Tips for prospective students

Be positive, the big campus and the amount of students seem overwhelming at first, but with a good attitude you will find good friends and fall in love with the pretty (some old) buildings.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado Boulder is an amazing school. The classes and the teacher are interesting and very valuable. I have learned a lot and I feel I will be well suited in my professional career once I graduate.

Haday from Green Bay, WI

09/18/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

I am not saying I am one of them, but there are many outgoing kids here who are friendly and love meeting people! It is also for very outdoorsy kids who want to be biking around and hiking and in the winter, snowboarding and such.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

A zombie tag type club where you will see a bunch of students running around campus playing zombie tag! Starts with one zombie and many humans. Armbands = humans, Headbands = zombies

Food and Dining

There is DELICIOUS food and so many options!

Dorm Life

I love it here! My roommate is nice, the place was clean and well set up when we got here and it is such a perk to have our own mini-fridge and microwave.

Academic Rigor

It's definitely a tough school that challenges me a lot, and I was an advanced and AP student in high school.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared for the financial struggles you might have. Focus in class but realise this is an enjoyable school with many people to meet.

In three sentences

This university is in a beautiful setting. There are so many nice people. The classes are quality.

Carole from Denver, CO

It is pretty overpriced for what you get, but again, the student makes the experience.

What to do for fun

Meet new people, go to the rec center, join clubs.

Food and Dining

It's high school-level cuisine--nothing spectacular, but edible.

Dorm Life

I didn't really enjoy dorm life--I prefer to live in an apartment since it's a little easier on the pockets.

Academic Rigor

I think it depends on what major you are. Either way, college is work. Time management skills are definitely developed.

Tips for prospective students

Stay on top of your studies but don't lock yourself away in your dorm/apartment.

In three sentences

A beautiful campus that keeps the mind clear and never fails to inspire students. The student definitely makes the learning experience great, so staying involved in one's own education is important. Making friends is a bit of a challenge depending on your background, but once you make friends, they seem to be worth all the time in the world.

Valerie from Longmont, CO

10/20/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus is very safe, with campus police and supervisors aways around to assist people. The campus is always well laid out with wide passages and open parkways. It also has a beautiful view of the rockies that I have fallen in love with.

Greek Life

I'm not part of the Greek Life here but as far as I have heard it's a great way to meet people and get involved. Greek houses are always hosting fun activities for everyone too.

Clubs and Activities

Hundreds of clubs and activities are available for students to participate in. They literally have something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Great for students who love the outdoors, are down to earth, and like to meet people.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Ralphie our mascot and live-in Buffalo is the coolest mascot I have ever seen. At home football games her handlers run her across the field at full speed to show our school spirit!

Bang for the buck

Although going to college is pretty expensive the University of Colorado has provided me with resources to help me get financial aid.

What to do for fun

The University of Colorado Boulder has countless extracurriculars to participate in and they're really good at advertising it as well! You will see flyers all throughout campus urging students to get involved in the wide array of programs and activities.

Food and Dining

The dining halls around campus serve great food, especially the Center for Community which has won awards for its culturally aware foods and variety of options. The staff also pays great attention to what constitutes a balanced meal and makes sure that the food is always fresh and delicious.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is great, the other students I live with are great people and my floor does almost everything together. My RA is also a great person and because she is older she is always there to offer great advice to me and to other freshmen.

Academic Rigor

The University of Colorado's academic rigor has been fairly high so far even though I am only taking entry courses for my major. However, it is nothing a student with high motivation and focus can't handle.

Tips for prospective students

If you're not sure what you want to do in your college career yet the University of Colorado could be perfect for you! They offer so many resources and services and there is a wide range of electives and majors to choose from to find what's best for you.

In three sentences

I love my University! The programs here are taught by dedicated professors who show their students that they are there to help them learn and grow. It's also a safe and positive learning environment.

Alec from Denver, CO

There are a huge array of clubs, from a Doctor Who club, to a rocketry club, to a skydiving club, somewhere on CU's campus there is a club for you.

Great for these types of students

For hard working students in engineering, CU is great.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Any place where engineers reside or hang out will be a completely different culture than one might be used to.

Bang for the buck

At least in engineering, and for in state tuition, it is definitely worth the money to go to a school that is in the top ten schools in the country for your field of engineering.

What to do for fun

Build ridiculous contraptions with the engineers, go hiking, go rock climbing, join clubs, go skydiving, etc. There are endless ways to find fun things to do. Basically, find a group of people with similar interests, and you're set. On a campus of roughly thirty thousand students, that's not exactly difficult.

Food and Dining

The food isn't great, or healthy, but compared to other colleges dinning, is actually quite impressive. The Farrend grab and go is your friend.

Dorm Life

As a student in the engineering quad, the lifestyle is generally more quiet and study based, but those who want, and have time, to party still find ways to make do. If you value your education, the engineering quad is definitely the place for you. The only downside is the ancient buildings, but most problems are solved by making sure to have duct tape handy.

Academic Rigor

The engineering program is a huge leap up from the average high school workload, so if you were used to finishing homework in five minutes, not studying for tests, and having a over abundance of free time, expect some changes come the the first exam.

Tips for prospective students

If you're planning on going into engineering, or simply value your studies over being drunk on Friday night, the engineering quad or Andrews quad are for you. Otherwise, any other hall on campus is where you want to be.

In three sentences

There are two distinct schools, the engineering school, and everyone else. For engineering, and several sciences, CU is a great place to be. If those aren't your areas of interest, and you plan to do more with college than party, you probably want a different school.

I am not involved at the moment, but plan on exploring all that this school has to offer.

Great for these types of students

This campus is great for students who love the outdoors.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Our Buffalo, Ralphie runs out at every home football game. Quite a site!

Bang for the buck

CU is an expensive school, but it you quality for financial aid and are lucky enough to get some scholarships, then it helps a lot.

What to do for fun

I like to hike in the Flatirons, river raft, and try new restaurants.

Food and Dining

Since I live off campus, I only eat on campus a few times a week. The food is good with a wide variety of healthy choices. Restaurants off campus are great.

Dorm Life

I live off campus.

Academic Rigor

My classes are definitely challenging. My teachers are very good. They are willing to communicate and have your best interest in mind.

Tips for prospective students

Come to visit and you will see that it is probably one of the prettiest campuses in the country. You must like the cold weather. You must like to enjoy the outdoors. The Greek like is very casual and not too intense. The social aspect is great, a lot of fun things to do on the weekends.

In three sentences

CU is a beautiful campus in a college town, with amazing views of the Flatiron mountains. If you like outdoor recreation, we have it all. Great hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, snowboarding all within an hour drive. Surrounding campus are nice restaurants and places to socialize or study.

Ashley

Very safe - lots of police everywhere and emergency call buttons every few feet!

Greek Life

Meh. I have heard nothing but trash talk from every sorority girl I've met here.

Clubs and Activities

Very diverse clubs, but running them is DIFFICULT and there is way too much red tape to go through at CU.

Great for these types of students

Outdoorsy, laid back, pot friendly

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Ralphie running before games - our mascot, Ralphie the buffalo, runs before every home game! Never been to a game here, but I've heard it's great. Also, rubbing Ralphie's brass horns on the statue outside of folsom field is said to be good luck for finals!

Bang for the buck

WAY too expensive. CU hypes itself up to be something its not. They charge an Ivy League price for a high school level education. I am an in state student taking out student loans with no help from my parents. They just pushed tuition up again in order to build a pool. Ridiculous.

What to do for fun

If you're an outdoorsy person, this school is definitely for you. However, don't discount it if you're not! There are tons of other activities such as shopping on 29St and Pearl St, there are tons of social clubs to join, etc. There is a great balance of interests here.

Food and Dining

CU Boulder has some of the best dining in the country! C4C cooks are culinary students and man does their cooking taste professional! It is great. People say that Darley and the smaller dining sites on campus are awful, but personally, I love them all. It is all very high quality food and there are many healthy choices as well!

Dorm Life

Dorm life is great - dorms are SUPER nice compared to what you will find at other schools and for the most part, policies are enforced (smoking, drugs, etc.). Overall loved my dorm experience.

Academic Rigor

Coming from a very well-equipped high school with some of the best teachers in the state, I can honestly say that I am learning very little at CU Boulder so far. I learned more in high school than I have here, and so far, it is not getting any more difficult (I am currently a second semester sophomore).

Tips for prospective students

There are 30,000 students at CU with class sizes ranging from 45-450. BE CAREFUL about choosing this school if you like to be on a personal level with your professors.

In three sentences

CU Boulder is NOT for those who do not enjoy large class sizes. Beautiful campus, but impossible to establish connections here.

Mario from Boulder, CO

This is a very safe and calm campus year round. Can easy walk around at any time feeling safe.

Food and Dining

The 4 dinning halls are all buffet and have delicious food. You won't get bored of the choices of food. There is also a convenience store within campus that closes at 2 a.m. every day.

Dorm Life

The school is working on upgrading the Engineering Quad, which is right next to the Engineering center. A prime location for Engineers. Kittredge is the newer part of campus, every dorm there is nice and new.

Academic Rigor

Can't really say much since I just have been here for one semester as a freshmen, but the calculus 1 for engineers and programming for electric engineers are definitely challenging courses.

In three sentences

Very pretty campus with a lot of resources for Engineering students. The academics is a bit rigorous but the engineering professors are very friendly. Definitely a lot of research opportunities in a lot of fields.

Amber from Colorado Springs, CO

12/20/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus safety at CU Boulder is wonderful. There are ambulances and firetrucks ready to work at any given notice. Strategically placed around campus are these buttons with a blue light on top that glows at night. You can see one from any given location and If you ever feel like your in trouble, you just press the button and cops are dispatched to that location. There's a emailing/texting service that sends out emergency alerts to all of the students should anything sketchy happen. I haven't felt threatened or in danger once while being here.

Bang for the buck

Being from Colorado I find myself struggling to fund my career so I don't understand how someone from out of state is capable with how expensive it is. Personally, I feel that out-of-state students are paying a ridiculous amount for what they're getting.

What to do for fun

One thing I've noticed about CU Boulder is that there's always something to do. There are hundreds of groups around, trails to hike, mountains to ski, and even a huge rec center which provides a series of fun activities. There's a free art center and every Thursday night they have a movie playing in one of the larger buildings. Of course if that's not your thing, this is a party school so generally there's an epic one or two going on somewhere.

Food and Dining

The food here is strongly a take-it-or-leave-it. Some days it's amazing and others you lose your appetite. They always provide a great alternatives though if the hot dishes don't look appetizing to you. There are also grab-n-goes which have great, yummy options. I haven't gone hungry once since being here.

Dorm Life

At first I was a bit timid to live in a dorm because I didn't know what to expect but it was the best choice I could have made. Everyone on my floor quickly became good friends and a support group was formed. It was nice living right across from a dining hall and there are always buses making rounds from Williams village through the school. Something I do need to mention though is the sicknesses that go around. Around finals time we had three with the flu, two with pink eye, and random cases of strep flying around. This was just on my floor alone so most everyone was sick and miserable as they were studying for finals.

Academic Rigor

The academics here are challenging and worth while. Apart from one, all of my teachers have been passionate about what they teach and would like nothing more than to help you should you need it. They have a great series of classes you can take.

Tips for prospective students

College life takes a bit to get used to at first but The school does everything in it's power to make sure the transition is smooth. It has great academics but this is a partying school so balance is key. Just take it one step at a time and talk to people.

In three sentences

CU Boulder is a beautiful campus with a lively student body. The buildings are wonderful and the coursework challenging. I would rate it 8/10 overall.

Veronica from Littleton, CO

12/28/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There is so much to do in Boulder. There are well known places like, The Hill, Pearl Street Mall, 29th Street Mall and downtown Boulder that give you so many things to do on the weekend. Whether it's attending a festival in central park, going to The Spot for rock climbing, or catching a concert at the Fox Theatre, Boulder has many attractions and things to do. This town has character. Not to mention CU Boulder's UMC (University Memorial Center) has a bowling alley, which is pretty cool.

Food and Dining

I think CU Boulder has the best dining halls not only in Colorado, but in the country. Our main attraction is the C4C (Center for Community). You swipe in and you have free reign to a buffet of different types of food - Mexican, Italian, American Grill, Persian, Asian, Kosher, and a sushi bar. Along with that there is a large salad station, cereal, and sandwich station. That's my favorite place, but if you're like me living in a dorm off the main campus you can go to the dining hall in your area. In each cluster of dorms on campus is a dining hall, and some dorms actually have their own dining halls. But if you feel like grabbing something quick you can always going to several of the university's Grab and Go location. Aside from everything provided to students on campus, Boulder has great restaurants - many of which are local, small businesses, which are fun to try when you have time to grab a bite on the Hill or Pearl Street

Dorm Life

For some, I adjusting to the dorm life was difficult. You're living for yourself, basically. Although the nice thing is you have the dining halls for food, you have your RA's and front desk people to answer question about the city of Boulder, and you have everyone on your floor that is in the same boat as you - some are actually sophomores or upperclassmen who already have experience in the dorms. I personally enjoyed the dorm life because it gave me the freedom to do what I wanted - and on the bright side, if you don't live in a suite that is, you don't really have to do that many chores (just wash your clothes and dishes). Even though I live in the dorms that are off the main campus there is still a nice bus system (the Buff Bus) that takes me to campus, or a bike path that takes me less than 10 minutes to get on campus.

Academic Rigor

It's college, and the courses are going to be hard. Even if you take a course you think will be a blow off class, it's going to keep you on your toes. I find that a good thing though, that my classes are challenging her at CU Boulder because it means the university is making sure you are getting the best education you can. However difficult the classes may be for you, there is always help here. All my classes have at least 3, if not more, people I can go to for - whether they're TA's, LA's (learning assistants), discussion leaders or the professors themselves. Just make sure you take advantage of every possible resources to get the information in your head.

Tips for prospective students

Naturally, while you are still in high school, keep up the grades, get involved, and begin developing a study pattern. That truly is the hardest part about college, the adjustment into the dorms is easy and finding your way around campus becomes immediately easy. So really start cracking down on finding a good study pattern, let it become habit, so when you get to college, and the courses getting going, you're not caught by surprise when the first midterms start coming around. Don't worry about anything, come to school ready to work and to learn. There are people here for you to give you all the help you need. Be ready to make friends.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado is an excellent school for nearly every field of education. As well, the campus is absolutely beautiful, and the state of Colorado (and Boulder itself) provides someone with many things to do. Seriously consider going to CU Boulder because the courses are challenging, but there is so much help and support for students, to allow them to be successful.

Christopher from Danbury, CT

The academic workload can be stressful so be prepared to be able to manage time wisely.

In three sentences

CUBoulder has a great student body with immense pride and welcome everyone no matter their differences. The facilities and professors are the best I have seen and are truly dedicated to helping students succeed. If you choose to attend CU you will not be disappointed.

Zee from Colorado Springs, CO

02/16/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There is a multitude of resources that are given to promote campus safety. There are of course police that walk around campus. There is also a system called CU Night Ride that will give anyone a ride to areas around the school at anytime of night for whatever reason, and it is absolutely free. There are even emergency stations around campus with a button you can push for help, so it is very safe here. Also no one with out a student card can get in to any of the dorms.

Clubs and Activities

I couldn't even begin to name all of the clubs that are offered on campus. There are intramural sports, marching band, volunteer opportunites greek life, student government organizations, inner tube water polo, ultimate Frisbee, Hall Council, and my favorite, Quidditch. There is something for everyone out there, it is just up to you to find it!

Bang for the buck

I won't lie and tell you that this University is cheap, but with the multitude of resources they offer, there is definitely a big bang for your buck. Most dorms have special programs for their residents going on all the time, ranging from movie nights, to tutors, to talent shows. There are also many more great resources on campus like the health center and the UMC that always have something to offer.

What to do for fun

There are plenty of ways to have fun up here! There is the 29th Street Mall for shopping, Pearl Street which has a lot of great shops and restaurants to go check out, and the Hill where a lot of students go to eat and hang out. There are also great places on campus that have bowling and pool tables, or you could go to the Recreation Center to swim, rock climb, play basketball, or even ice skate! If you don't want to do anything in Boulder, there are also busses that go to Denver and to skiing slopes, so really your imagination is the limit!

Food and Dining

The dining halls at this campus are amazing! Everyone gets sick of the food once in a while, but there are four dining halls, and most of them are really great! There is always a variety of food available from Italian, to Persian, to American, to Latin, and the dining halls are always clean! There are also stations to get food to go, called grab and goes, that are also really good.

Dorm Life

Some of the dorms are excellent, and some of them are not so great. No dorm is really bad, but there are definitely some dorms that do more for their residents than others. The Williams Village dorms off campus can be a hassle to get to some times, but every dorm has its perks, and it is very easy to get involved with programs and meet new people.

Academic Rigor

Classes in your field of study can be very difficult depending on what you are majoring in. Be prepared to have a lot of time set aside for homework, because there is a lot of it. Some classes are very laid back though too, and give you an opportunity to learn something outside of your major, so it is very well rounded.

Tips for prospective students

A tip would be to visit campus and make sure you like it up here. A school can have everything you want academically, but if you don't like the atmosphere, then you shouldn't go. Overall, I would just say to make sure you know everything about the school you can and that you are prepared for what's ahead of you, because college is nothing like high school.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado Boulder is a great school in a great place. The atmosphere is perfect for nearly anything you could want to do, from studying to skiing. It really feels like a community.

Kathryn from Westminster, CO

It's good. The CU Police Department does and excellent job. Students are alerted when there's trouble. The students, however, aren't always so good at keeping themselves safe or behaving responsibly.

Greek Life

They say it's not a huge part of life but you will certainly feel its effects your freshman year. Greek Life is inherently loud so you'll see it and here it. After that, it can take a back burner, and the pressure to join isn't overwhelming.

Clubs and Activities

Amazing amounts of opportunities with very little commitment. You can participate in things as little or as much as you'd like. There's hundreds of club options - from Doctor Who, to Bow ties, to Scotch and Cigars, to Tubular Water Polo, you'll find it if you look.

Great for these types of students

The school itself is great for those students who have goals already, or need to explore options. The social structure is great for people who want to screw around and end up with liver cancer. If you're here to party - you'll do it. If you're here to learn, you can do that too. However, mixing the two isn't likely.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The 5th floor of the UMC is a great place to take a nap. The BioLounge at the bottom of the museum serves free coffee, and the countless empty classrooms are a great place to sneak away and hang out with friends.

Bang for the buck

You're going to get the college experience you've always wanted and the credentials to more-than-likely land you a job. However, a lot of what you get out of it is what you make yourself do. This school won't give you a job with certainty, but with your own effort it will give you with a solid foundation to get there.

What to do for fun

There is so much to do for fun. Between Pearl St. and 29th Street there is shopping, ice-skating, movie theaters, and so much more. CU is home to boulders ONLY bowling alley - which is fantastic. There's a huge night life and plenty of open space for out-door activities. Hiking in the Flatirons or Chataqua is the best and during snow season Skiing and Snowboarding is easily accessible. There's also snow shoeing, and fishing. Indoors the art world is endless and the internet connection isn't half bad.

Food and Dining

The amount of options here are astounding. However, like anything, by second semester it can get a little grating. As long as you're willing to step outside your food comfort zone, you'll always find something worth your time.

Dorm Life

Not bad if you get a good roommate. The dorms themselves are... do-able. It's only 9 months of your life and who you live with sets the pace of that experience, about everything else.

Academic Rigor

The work and content itself isn't difficult. How you go about working can be tough. If you stay on top of most reading and put effort into assignment, you won't risk failure.

Tips for prospective students

Have your priorities ready. Boulder is, inherently, a research facility. That means may teachers are here for things other than to educate you. In order to succeed, you must be self motivated. Distractions are high here but its great real-world training and brilliant opportunities.

In three sentences

CU Boulder is an activity-packed ride. The staff is of the highest caliber and opportunities are abundant. Focusing on studies can be difficult due to the extreme amounts of partying around campus.

join a club or intramural. theres also hiking and two street malls close to campus not to mention weekend fun on the hill. Also AWESOME concerts and multiple places to see interesting artists.

Food and Dining

not bad lots of options for various eating practices but can get old over time.

Dorm Life

Friendly people, relaxed punishment system but not huge rooms and heating systems are a pain. you do get a fridge and a microwave when you move in though.

Academic Rigor

It depends on the major you go into. For Engineers there are basic weed out classes till junior year.

Tips for prospective students

be ready to set a DECENT amount of time each week apart to study. but don't forget to be social

In three sentences

This school though thought of to be a party school has high hopes for their academics. The teachers don't slack on the hard in depth elements in there classroom. Also there are so many tutors or ways to get help from Raps and programs in the dorms to constant help rooms that are almost always open.

Clarice from Portland, OR

06/29/2014

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

They have a system that the CU police are just a call away at any time of day or night- so if a student is somewhere they need a ride home from, the police will come and provide a ride free of charge, simply so the student feels comfortable in the environment.

Clubs and Activities

They seemed to have a ton of clubs (over 300, I believe) and organizations (student government, Greek life, school papers/magazines, intramural sports, etc) for students to get involved in.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The buffalo shaped pool was very pretty.

Bang for the buck

Out of state students- they do offer an option to freeze your tuition cost, so it is the same price all four years that you attend- but regardless, the out-of-state tuition is practically double in state. They, like many colleges, offer scholarships, but the cost is pretty pricey if you're from any state other than CO.

What to do for fun

Boulder is a great city, but Denver is really only a 45 minute drive away. Bus and lightrail tickets are free for all students, making transportation easy and cost free. The campus is gorgeous, and the Rockies are basically in the back yard. There are a ton of clubs, activities, and organizations- 13% of the student body is involved in Greek Life. The rec. center is amazing, and there's even a pool shaped like a Buffalo on campus. There are a ton of opportunities for fun on campus and within a very close distance for all students.

Food and Dining

They have a ton of dining options- and they are incredibly detail oriented, meaning if there is peanuts, milk, soy, or any other allergen in a food- you will know it. There is also many locations and options on how to pay for food.

Dorm Life

Dorms are small, but most dorms in schools are. They offer a unique opportunity to pick out a dorm in your intended area of study, so you can live by your classmates and even take 101 basic lecture courses in buildings near your hall.

Academic Rigor

Though it is as intense as you make it, the admissions counselor seemed to say that 33% of your classes were major oriented, 33% were elective, and 34% were CORE. This means that potentially, you could double major in 4 years or focus on many different areas while still finishing your intended major. They had some amazing class opportunities, as well as many different schools aside from the main, Arts and Sciences.

Tips for prospective students

The admissions counselor was very specific that if you are interested in the School of Engineering, apply early. She also said that they take a holistic view of applications, not just one number (GPA or SAT).

In three sentences

A big school with a beautiful campus with friendly students. Strongly focused on giving students a small school feel with big school opportunities. Manages to keep a strong focus on academics regardless of enrollment size.

Kristina

10/07/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus emails the whole school whenever an incident happens. This can be scary when you feel like you're getting a lot of emails, but compared to the number of students that attend, you're chances of being harmed are very small. Remember to be safe at all times! If you're going to walk home find a big group to do it with. Most people headed in the same direction as you won't mind if you tag along with them. And you can always try to call CU Nightride (although they don't always answer), which is a service that will pick you up from anywhere in Boulder, and take you home (if that's on campus or not, it doesn't matter). Lock your doors at night (talk to your roommate about this), and if you feel unsafe never hesitate to call someone, even if you think you're being paranoid. Better safe than sorry.

Greek Life

Greek life isn't for everyone. If you're on the fence about participating, go ahead and rush! It's a good way to learn if you'll have the time commitment and if you'll enjoy the atmosphere. Even if a sorority/fraternity bids for you, you don't have to accept if you don't want to. You could just enjoy the rush as a way to meet people and test the waters for a week.

Clubs and Activities

There are clubs for everything! And if there isn't you can probably make your own and find people with similar interests. But because there are so many clubs sometimes wading through all of them to find the golden one you like can be hard. During the first week when everyone is recruiting don't be scared to sign up for whatever sounds interest and then quitting when something doesn't live up to your expectations.

Great for these types of students

Anyone can do well here, but if you love the outdoors, don't mind the cold or the heat (Boulder can be beautifully sunny at 75 one day, and snowing the next), and want to study your way to a degree you like, this is a good school for you!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Obviously the Hill might not be unusual, but it is /the/ location to be if you want to get out and find a party. But the bowling alley in the bottom of the UMC might be a well hidden secret. Without ever needing to leave campus you can find something fun to do for a night.

Bang for the buck

Your experience will be what you make of it. If you choose to sit inside in your dorm all day, that's going to make for a very poor experience. But luckily Boulder makes it easy for even the most introverted to find small (or large) clubs to be a part of. The public transport system, which students ride for free, negates the need to have a car if you want to do something fun off campus.

What to do for fun

One of the great things about Boulder is that it's a city within the mountains. If you like nature, you can go hike or ski or snowboard (once the snow starts) or fish, all in less than an hour drive (if that even). If you want to shop, the Pearl Street Mall is a great mix of chain stores and local unique businesses, plus the food is great. CU has enough clubs for everyone to find their niche, although that's not the only way to meet new friends. Even right on campus there's a bowling alley and food like Panda Express and Coldstone! The bus system at Boulder might be the best. You can get anywhere important right from campus, including downtown Denver if you ever need a break, or want to go see the Aquarium (for example).

Food and Dining

Switch up where you eat at! If you eat at the C4C (main dining hall) all the time, no matter how great the food is the first month, you're gonna get sick of it. Some residence halls have their own dining centers, which anyone can go in to eat at. Libby has some of the best breakfast (can you say giant waffles!) and Sewall serves different dinners every night Monday-Friday. Plus the grab-n-gos are great ways to stock up on snacks if you have extra meals before the new meal week starts, or if you're craving a big burger (Farrand custom makes those, although I'm partial to pulled-pork-Wednesdays).

Dorm Life

Depending on what dorm you pick will dictate how nice your dorm life is. New dorms (Kit West or Baker Hall) are a lot nicer than the old engineering quad. But every dorm has its perks. The Engineering Quad has its own computer lab and printer, and it's a lot smaller, if you want a more personal experience. Libby is pretty centralized, the rooms aren't the smallest or the biggest, and it has its own dining hall. You win some and you lose some.

Academic Rigor

This is college, you can't slack off. But choose a major that you love and classes will be a lot better. Being miserable for four years while you get a degree you don't care about isn't worth making a lot of money. Study, study, study! Scrapping by with that average C may let you pass the class, but studying and earning the A will boost your GPA and make you look so much better should you chose to intern while in school.

Tips for prospective students

Look for scholarships early! In-state is expensive, and out-of-state is even more so. Even though Boulder is known as one of the top party schools, people do study here. Work hard during the week so you can do what you love on the weekend (whether that be skiing or snowboarding, hiking, playing video games, or yes, partying on the infamous Hill). Avoid 8 am's like the plague. I know most high schools started that early, but you will soon find out it is not the same. Try to schedule all your classes in the same block of time so you can get them over with.

In three sentences

This is the most beautiful campus I've ever seen; wake up every day to mountains and fresh air! Study what you love in a place that you love, but don't slack off. Like most places the course work can be rigorous, especially if you don't pay attention or go to class, and you're probably paying a lot of money for that privilege.

T from Boulder, CO

I think its very safe, I have never had a problem, and feel comfortable walking around at night.

Greek Life

Every option under the sun.

Clubs and Activities

There is every type of outdoor club, theater club, and intramural you can think of, it has a great diversity!

Great for these types of students

Students who love the outdoors, have a lot of money...

Bang for the buck

Really, really expensive in terms of tuition, housing, overall cost of living. However, the city is beautiful and it has a lot of amenities.

What to do for fun

Walk along the Pearl Street Mall, hike at Chataqua, ski in the mountains, hop down to Denver, attend basketball/ football games and the Farmers Market.

Food and Dining

Dorm food is terrible, but there are a ton of great restaurants and eateries with every type of food around the city.

Dorm Life

Depends where you live, I have heard great things about dorms on campus, terrible things about Kitt, and I lived in Will Vill freshman year and although its far away and the dining hall sucks, it was really nice to have a little community away from campus.

Academic Rigor

I don't think engineering and some physical science majors would wish it to be any harder, but you can skate by on the bare minimum by doing communications and other arts and sciences majors. It all depends on your major.

Tips for prospective students

Don't go crazy your first semester or first year and leave yourself with a terrible GPA to come back from for the rest of your college career. Have fun, explore the state, and find classes you are actually interested in!

In three sentences

Prideful in its overwhelming greek community, which is great if thats your bag. Expensive for everyone, almost unbearable for the typical middle class family between tuition, books, rent, food, etc. Beautiful city and location filled with people who share a love for the outdoors in one way or another.

Jacob from Reno, NV

11/06/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

While we do have a few incidents every year, every university does, overall I would say that this campus is one of the safest in America. The Boulder and University Police Departments make sure that we are all keeping safe without being overly intrusive in our lives.

Greek Life

While the Greek life is present at CU Boulder, a few years ago the fraternities were actually removed from campus, so they are now technically a separate entity. The sororities are still part of the campus, however. The Greek life here isn't very obtrusive on campus, and it is mostly a lot of people who are looking to create familial bonds with their brothers or sisters.

Clubs and Activities

If you have an interest, we have a club. I can just about guarantee it.

Great for these types of students

If academics are your first priority, this school is for you. If you like to party, this school is also for you. This school is great for almost every type of person. We have sports for all kinds of people, clubs for almost every interest group here on campus, and a dynamite faculty-student relationship.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

In the amphitheater, there is a scaffold that is very easy to climb, and you can see a lot of the campus from up top.

Bang for the buck

Unfortunately, the price tag here is very high, but like I said before, if you can afford it, it's worth it.

What to do for fun

There is never not something to do here in Boulder. If you're bored, hang a hammock up and read in it. Or you can catch a bus or ride your bike to the 29th street mall and see a movie in the theater. There is always the Pearl Street Mall too, which is just an interesting mix of people. Bottom line, there's always something to do in Boulder.

Food and Dining

The C4C, the main dining hall, has some of the best food around. The weekly meal plans that are required for all first-year students are worth the price tag, and the dining hall is essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Dorm Life

The dorms here are incredible. They are all refurbished and beautiful and I could not imagine living anywhere else. Everyone gets along with everyone else, and it is an amazing experience.

Academic Rigor

While the classes here are challenging, they are not impossible. No one has meltdowns about not being able to pass, and the professor's will always help you during their office hours if you ask for it.

Tips for prospective students

The biggest con of attending this school is the cost. It comes with a steep price tag, but if you can afford it it is totally worth it. Just be sure that you are open and honest during the application process, and that you work diligently in high school.

In three sentences

This school has a very friendly but challenging academic environment. The faculty and students are all very open, accepting and friendly and we all just want to have a good time. Most importantly, despite its reputation, the parties here are fairly limited and you certainly don't have to go to them if you don't want to.

Emma from Boulder, CO

11/25/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus and the surrounding areas are very safe. As a female student, I don't feel uncomfortable walking home from campus alone in the dark. Crime rates are very low, and the campus police are very responsive and patrol the area frequently.

What to do for fun

Boulder is known for the surrounding outdoor activities; there is excellent hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, running trails, and biking trails within 5-10 minutes of campus, and the tops ski resorts in Colorado are between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours away.

Food and Dining

The Center for Community, or the C4C, is rated as one of the best dining halls in the country. There are over 8 stations to choose from every day (Italian with made-to-order pasta, Asian, Persian, Kosher, the Grill, Sushi, made-to-order Burritos like Chipotle, and a special station with chef creations). There's a lot of variety, organic options, and options for students with dietary restrictions (e.g. gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian, kosher, etc.). The food waste is composted and recycling is highly encouraged, plus much of the food is from the local community, to create a sustainable and healthy dining experience. There are also Grab-and-Go dining areas, where you can get the same quality organic and healthy food to take with you to class or wherever you're going in a hurry.

Dorm Life

CU has special Residential Academic Programs, or RAPs, where students interested in specific fields or who are in certain programs (e.g. Business, Health, Honors, Arts, etc.) live together in a dorm. These programs have benefits such as small classes (less than 20 students) held in classrooms in the dorms specifically for RAP students, and tight-knit communities. In my dorm, the new students who live there every year love it so much that over 50% of freshmen choose to live in the dorm again their sophomore year, and some students choose to live there and become mentors for new students for all 4 years of their undergraduate careers.

Academic Rigor

The engineering school is one of the top in the country, and several programs such as Aerospace Engineering and Physics are in the top 10 nationally. I can't speak for other colleges and majors, but top employers in my field specifically seek out students from CU because of the rigorous academic programs and the unique preparation and experience the program provides for its students.

Tips for prospective students

I think that showing a genuine interest in the school and communicating your dreams, passion, and goals are more important than any academic credentials you may or may not have. The school wants to accept students who are passionate and will work hard to achieve their dreams and will contribute meaningfully to the campus and community, rather than only the best academic students.

In three sentences

CU Boulder's College of Engineering is one of the best in the country, and provides many opportunities for students to learn, gain hands-on experience, and pursue their passions both inside and outside of the classroom. The campus is gorgeous and is situated right in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and is close to some of the best hiking, rock climbing, and skiing in the country. Boulder provides an excellent mix of nature, culture, and academics; there are always exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive on and off-campus.

Nicole S

12/01/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I never have had an issue with feeling unsafe, but I have heard of stories where girls have gotten themselves into scary situations, usually when they are under the influence. Just be cautious and never walk home alone at night; invest in a pepper spray or know self-defense in case you ever get into such a situation.

Greek Life

Greek life is actually very prevalent on campus; if it really bothers you that people are going to be in sororities and engaging in those events, CU may not be the best place. I personally didn't rush, and I am one of the only people in my area of the hall to not be in one. It's harder to find people who aren't Greek than it is to find people who are, at least from the people I have met. I don't necessarily support or disagree with pledging, I just found it unnecessary. I have made many friends and had memorable experiences without needing to pay the extra money. But if you are looking for that experience, CU has a large budget for the program here and it makes up a huge population of the students.

What to do for fun

Chattaqua Park is nearby and many go there to hike. Pearl Street is another attraction and it is a short bus ride away. There is constantly something going on; all you have to do is leave your room and walk around campus to find something to do. The UMC has various events, like Poetry slams and Karaoke nights. Regardless of your interests, there is someone who also wants to do the same thing and a resource to help you do it.

Food and Dining

Many options, but you need to take initiative to stay healthy and avoid the greasier items and the always available dessert bar.

Dorm Life

I definitely recommend living in a RAP to have the privilege of smaller classes and make the campus seem less daunting. You get to know a lot of people you live with and there are always available events to go to if you don't feel like planning anything or spending money going out.

Academic Rigor

The classes are challenging enough to not be too overwhelming, but still keep you intrigued and motivated to do the work and study.

Tips for prospective students

Live in a RAP; they offer small classes in your hall and make it easier to meet up to study since you live close to your classmates.

In three sentences

The campus is beautiful and there are so many opportunities available for all different interests, from the outdoors to arts. The dining is actually very good; I never miss food from home with all the options here. The school values education as much as it does wellness, so there are many options to stay focused on academics while still being social and having a good time.

Jennifer from Louisville, CO

03/18/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Out of the colleges that I've been at, I probably felt the least safe here. Mostly this comes from hearing about crimes happening on or around campus through the newspaper or email alerts. They have also recently decided to remove the blue call boxes around campus. I'm sure that if you feel unsafe in anyway that you can call the campus police or get a free NightRide. As a commuter, I didn't really stay on campus past dark unless I had a late class or color guard practice.

Greek Life

I was not a part of Greek Life on this campus (due to being an alumni of one that was not represented), but on the whole it seems to be quite large.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs here. I think a student would be hard pressed to not find a club that would suit his or her needs.

Great for these types of students

Academic types, outdoorsy types, relaxed types, international students, out of state students, liberal students...really this college is pretty great for anyone as long as they are willing to put in the effort and take the time to enjoy their surroundings.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Pearl Street Stampedes are a must. Before football games the team, cheerleaders, and marching band come down to Pearl Street for a parade through a crowd packed with people. This is also an opportunity to hear the Marching Band's newest set of songs (This year, they performed songs from The Who, Fall Out Boy, Bastille, Stevie Wonder, and many others). It is also a tradition to Ralphie's nose (outside of the stadium) for good luck before tests or when you graduate. Probably the most unusual location on campus is Macky Auditorium which is said to be haunted by Elaura Jaquette who was murdered there long ago.

Bang for the buck

I thought that for the most part I got what I paid for, but it would be nice if they reduced the cost of tuition a bit. The fees that students pay for can also seem a bit overwhelming, especially with all of the fees going towards new construction. However, one of the most valuable fees that students pay is for transportation. Each student can get a bus card that lets them go on the RTD system in Colorado for free.

What to do for fun

You will not get bored at CU Boulder. It seems like events are constantly happening on campus (museum talks, concerts, cultural events, etc). There are also many clubs and organizations to join such as Academic clubs (including the Anthropology Club), Greek System, Athletic groups, and the CU Golden Buffalo Marching Band. If you want to get off of campus, you can walk around the Pearl Street Mall and go shopping or watch buskers, go to concerts, go tubing on the Boulder Creek, or hike in the mountains. If you want to go even further away (though still a manageable distance) you can go to ski resorts on the weekends.

Food and Dining

In my opinion, the C4C is incredible. None of my other colleges had anything like this with so many options that taste good. My favorite stations are the Persian Ghaza and the ice cream/ desert area. At the UMC, you can also find multiple coffee shops (Celestial Seasonings is my favorite), large chains such as Domino's, Panda Express, and Subway, and a cafeteria style 'restaurant' affectionately known as the Alferd Packer Grill (I recommend the green pork chile and, when they have it, spanish tortilla).

Dorm Life

I did not stay in a dorm while I attended CU, but some of my friends have. I haven't heard bad things, though I'm sure someone who has lived there could tell you more. If I were to stay in a dorm, I would try and get into the Kittredge Central.

Academic Rigor

This was probably the most academically challenging school that I have attended. Professors usually expect a lot out of their students, but they are willing to help you get there if you put in the effort. In the Anthropology and Classes departments, it seems that final essay lengths are usually around 8-12 pages. Exams, for the most part, usually take the whole class period at upper division levels, though lower division ones tend to be shorter. From what I have seen, professors usually have good study guides for tests.

Tips for prospective students

Coming from the standpoint of a transfer student, I would suggest making sure that your grades coming in look good and that you score well on your tests, though I know that this school does not have the most rigorous entrance requirements. Once attending classes, like any other college, make sure that you talk with your professors because they will be the ones who can help you achieve both inside and outside of the classroom. Also, since you are in Boulder, take the time to explore and have fun. There are many things to do like hiking at Table Mesa, going to concerts, exploring The Hill, and enjoying the yearly Shakespeare Festival.

In three sentences

The University of Colorado Boulder is an incredible institution that allows students to challenge themselves academically while also allowing for time to be spent enjoying the fantastic Front Range city of Boulder. Out of the three colleges that I have attended, I have by far enjoyed CU Boulder the most due to the connections I have made with professors that have catapulted my academic career and the opportunities that studying here has afforded me. One of the only things that I would change would be the limited online class options.

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